Brazil escalates diplomatic crisis with United States and Argentina FAST-MOVING
The United States revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, after Brazil delayed approval of the U.S. nominee Daniel Perez and denied visas to two U.S. officials. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the action “irresponsável e impensada” and said Brazil will not receive a U.S. ambassador until after the October presidential election.
In response, Brazil downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires, recalling ambassador Julio Bitelli, after Argentine President Javier Milei repeatedly insulted Lula, calling him a “ladrón” and other epithets. Lula announced the downgrade as a reaction to Milei’s attacks and warned that Brazil will not tolerate external interference in its electoral process.
Lula also said he intends to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump next week, seeking to address the visa revocation, recent U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products, and broader election‑related tensions. The diplomatic row involves Brazil, the United States and Argentina and unfolds just weeks before Brazil’s presidential election.
Entities: Daniel Perez · Donald Trump · Edinho Silva · Javier Milei · Julio Bitelli · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the visa revocation irresponsible and thoughtless. (Lula's criticism)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The US nominated Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil, pending Senate confirmation. (US government)
- [● 10 SOURCES] The United States State Department revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti. (US revokes visa of Brazilian ambassador)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Edinho Silva said President Donald Trump's tariff policy is a coercive instrument. (Edinho Silva)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The United States has not had an ambassador in Brazil for more than a year and a half. (US State Department)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lula announced Brazil will not receive a US ambassador until after the October elections. (Lula blocks US ambassador until after elections)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brazil's government rejected the United States' claims about the visa revocation as false. (Brazil rejects US claim on visa revocation)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The US justified the revocation as retaliation for Brazil's delay in approving US nominee Daniel Perez and alleged visa refusals for two US officials. (US justification)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Argentine President Javier Milei called Lula a 'thief' multiple times, prompting Brazil's diplomatic response. (Milei insults)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Brazil downgraded diplomatic relations with Argentina, recalling its ambassador and reducing the mission to chargé d’affaires. (downgrade of diplomatic ties)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The United States imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian products in July. (US tariffs on Brazil)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lula intends to speak with US President Donald Trump next week. (Lula plans call with Trump)