Brazil maintains Ambassador Viotti in Washington despite U.S. visa cancellation

The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has decided to keep Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti in Washington despite her U.S. visa being cancelled. Reports indicate that Viotti faces the risk of being declared ‘persona non grata’ by the United States.

Diplomatic sources suggest the decision to maintain her post in Washington is driven by electoral motives, potentially using the situation and any subsequent deportation as a campaign issue. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and the administration have reportedly been warned for weeks about the risk of U.S. retaliation due to delays in approving the American ambassador to Brazil. While the visa cancellation means Viotti is no longer practically recognized as an ambassador, the Planalto has ordered her to remain in the United States.