Brazil’s ambassador to the United States; current envoy at the center of a US visa dispute after Brazil blocked US diplomat visas. Noted for high-level diplomatic roles and Brazil-US tensions.
Brazil’s government has revoked visas for two U.S. diplomats amid a growing diplomatic rift linked to election interference concerns. Argentina’s Milei has accused Lula of insults, prompting a formal diplomatic response. Lula’s party calls for sovereignty against foreign involvement as regional alignments shift ahead of October elections.
The United States has canceled the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, as a retaliation for Brazil's refusal to approve Trump’s ambassador pick and for denying entry to US diplomats. The move deepens a diplomatic row between Washington and Brasília ahead of Brazil’s October election. The visa could be restored if Brazil accepts Daniel Perez, the proposed American ambassador.
The State Department has revoked a senior Brazilian diplomat’s visa in response to Brazil’s failure to approve Donald Trump’s ambassador pick. The move is reversible if Brazil grants approval; a quick reversal could come if Brasília agrees to the nominee, Daniel Perez. Lula’s government faces Bolsonaro’s challenge in October’s presidential race.