Key facts
- US action
- Revoked visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington
- Brazilian action
- Denied visas to two US State Department officials
- US officials denied
- Riley M Barnes and Samuel Samson
- Brazilian president
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- US ambassador nominee
- Daniel Perez, nominated on 1 June
- Election context
- Brazil's elections upcoming
Background
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, according to a State Department official, marking another escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries ahead of Brazil's elections.
The move comes after the Brazilian government refused to grant visas for two US State Department officials who wanted to visit Brazil at the end of July. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accused the officials of wanting to 'meddle' in Brazil's elections, a charge the US called 'baseless.'
The US official said the decision to revoke the visa does not mean Brazil's ambassador is being expelled from the US. The BBC has asked the Brazilian government, Brazilian embassy, and State Department for comment.
Current situation
The visa revocation is the latest in a series of disputes between the US and Brazil, which have flared up in recent months after the US reimposed tariffs on Brazil and designated Brazilian gangs as terrorist organisations.
Two State Department officials were due in Brazil in late July for what they said was a visit regarding freedom of expression and religion, and election integrity. They were also expected to meet the right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro. The elder Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing the last election.
A few weeks ago, Flávio, who has received endorsements from Argentina's President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told a room of diplomats that Brazil's machines have the same origin as Venezuela's, and cited a CIA report about electoral fraud in that country. Flávio later denied he was questioning the integrity of the electoral system, saying he instead wanted as many international observers as possible.
Impacts
Following the meeting, the Brazilian government blocked visas for a US delegation, citing concerns they would try to cast unfounded doubts on the election. That included two senior State Department officials, identified as Riley M Barnes, an assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labour, and Samuel Samson, a deputy assistant secretary in the same section.
Flávio Bolsonaro's claims about the country's electronic voting machines have been refuted by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court. Brazil has its own system which has been praised by experts as one of the most secure in the world.
The Brazilian government has also withheld approval for Donald Trump's pick to be the next US ambassador to Brazil. Trump nominated Daniel Perez, a state representative from Florida, who is a close ally of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on 1 June without seeking Brazil's approval beforehand - a common diplomatic step. Brasilia felt disrespected by this.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
President Lula has been critical publicly of the State Department under Rubio and its increasing intervention in Latin American politics, including endorsing conservative candidates in some elections.
If the visa revocation is not reversed, it could further strain bilateral relations and complicate diplomatic exchanges during the election period. The situation may also affect the approval process for the new US ambassador to Brazil, potentially delaying diplomatic normalisation.
Should Brazil and the US fail to resolve their differences, the dispute could escalate into broader economic or political measures. However, if both sides seek dialogue, the tensions might ease, allowing for a more constructive relationship after the elections.
Source: bbc.com
