# Brazil-US diplomatic and trade row escalates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilus-diplomatic-tension-over-election-visas > Updated: 2026-08-25T18:03:00.000Z. Sources: 412. Developments: 10. The diplomatic standoff between Brazil and the United States has intensified, involving disputes over ambassadorial appointments, visa revocations, and allegations of election interference. On 6 August, the U.S. Senate confirmed Republican Florida legislator Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil by a 51-47 vote. However, President Lula has officially announced that Brazil will delay granting agrément to Perez until after the October presidential elections, criticizing the timing of the nomination and accusing the U.S. of attempting to interfere in Brazil’s internal affairs. Relations deteriorated further following the Trump administration's revocation of Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti’s U.S. visa. Lula denounced the move as an “irresponsible and thoughtless” act and a violation of the Vienna Convention, while the U.S. stated the visa would be reinstated once Brazil accepts Perez’s credentials. Despite the risk of being declared ‘persona non grata’, the Brazilian government has ordered Viotti to remain in Washington. Reports suggest this decision may be driven by electoral motives, potentially using the situation as a campaign issue. In response to U.S. tariffs of 25% and 12.5%, Brazil has initiated the Law of Reciprocity. This legal process includes a consultation period that may delay retaliatory measures until after the election. Addressing the impasse, nominee Daniel Perez, currently designated as ‘Ambassador-Designate’, has pledged not to interfere in Brazil’s upcoming elections, stating the process belongs to Brazilian citizens. He emphasized his desire to work with whoever is elected and expressed hope to resolve economic issues, including trade tariffs, noting Brazil is a vital commercial partner for the United States. ## Claims - The visa revocation could be reversed if Brazil grants agrément to U.S. nominee Daniel Perez. (corroborated by 37 sources) - Brazil has delayed granting agrément to U.S. nominee Daniel Perez. (corroborated by 36 sources) - Brazil denied visas to U.S. officials Riley Barnes and Samuel Samson. (corroborated by 35 sources) - The U.S. State Department revoked the visa of Brazilian ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti on 4 August 2026. (corroborated by 34 sources) - The revocation does not constitute expulsion; Viotti can remain in the US without a valid visa. (corroborated by 32 sources) - The diplomatic dispute occurs ahead of Brazil's presidential election on 4 October. (corroborated by 26 sources) - Brazil says the U.S. action violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. (corroborated by 24 sources) - Brazil alleges the U.S. action aims to interfere in Brazil’s October 2026 presidential election. (corroborated by 24 sources) - Brazil's president is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The revocation was presented as a reciprocal measure in response to Brazil’s denial of visas to two U.S. diplomats, Riley Barnes and Samuel Samson. (corroborated by 22 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Daniel Perez pledges non-interference in Brazil elections U.S. Ambassador-designate Daniel Perez pledged not to interfere in Brazil's elections, amid a diplomatic standoff regarding his formal approval and the revocation of a Brazilian ambassador's visa. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-perez-addresses-us-brazil-diplomatic-impasse ### 2026-08-18: Brazil maintains Ambassador Viotti in Washington despite U.S. visa cancellation Brazil's government has decided to keep Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti in Washington despite her U.S. visa cancellation and the risk of her being declared ‘persona non grata’. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-maintains-ambassador-viotti-in-washington-despite-us-visa-cancellation ### 2026-08-14: Lula delays U.S. ambassador approval until after Brazil elections President Lula will delay approving the U.S. ambassador nominee until after October's elections, citing concerns over interference and responding to new U.S. tariffs with Brazil's Law of Reciprocity. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lula-delays-us-ambassador-approval-and-invokes-reciprocity-law ### 2026-08-09: United States affirms respect for Brazil's elections amid diplomatic impasse The U.S. Department of State affirmed respect for Brazil's electoral processes amid diplomatic friction over the delayed appointment of Ambassador Daniel Perez and recent visa disputes. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-affirms-respect-for-brazils-elections-amid-diplomatic-impasse ### 2026-08-06: Brazil and United States clash over revocation of Brazilian ambassador's US visa Brazil’s Lula condemns the US revocation of ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti’s visa, calling it irresponsible, as Washington ties reinstatement to Brazil’s acceptance of US ambassador Daniel Pérez, sparking claims 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-and-united-states-clash-over-revocation-of-brazilian-ambassadors-us-visa ### 2026-08-06: US Senate confirms Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil amid diplomatic row The US Senate confirmed Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil (51‑47 vote) but he still needs Brazil’s agrément. Brazil says it will wait until after the October election. The US revoked Brazilian ambassador Vi 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-nominates-daniel-perez-as-ambassador-to-brazil-amid-agrment-dispute ### 2026-08-06: Marco Rubio and Javier Milei push influence in Brazil's 2026 presidential race Brazil says Marco Rubio and Javier Milei are coordinating to influence Brazil’s 2026 election, backing Flávio Bolsonaro, while diplomatic ties with Argentina are downgraded and U.S. visa actions add pressure. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-pushes-to-boost-flavio-bolsonaro-in-brazils-election ### 2026-08-04: US Revokes Visa of Brazil's Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti Amid Diplomatic Row The US revoked Brazilian ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti’s visa on Aug 4 2026 as a reciprocal response to Brazil’s delay in approving US nominee Daniel Perez, provoking diplomatic tensions and accusations of US‑b 234 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-revokes-visa-of-brazils-ambassador-amid-diplomatic-spat ### 2026-07-27: Brazil denies visas to US officials amid election system dispute Brazil rejected visas for two US State Department officials seeking meetings on its election system; the electoral court will host an Aug 17 diplomatic briefing on the operation and security of its electronic, 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-denies-visas-to-us-officials-amid-election-system-dispute ### 2026-07-25: Brazil denies visas to U.S. officials amid election‑interference concerns Brazil blocked visas for U.S. officials Riley Barnes and Samuel Samson, citing election‑interference risks ahead of the Oct 4 presidential vote; the U.S. said the mission would address election integrity, while 194 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-state-department-officials-to-travel-to-brazil-to-probe-election-system --- Cite as: Brazil-US diplomatic and trade row escalates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilus-diplomatic-tension-over-election-visas