Who Is Daniel Perez and Why Is He at the Center of a US-Brazil Crisis?

Daniel Perez, 39, is the son of Cuban immigrants and currently serves as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives — a position he has held since 2024. Born in New York, he moved to Florida with his family in 1993 and is a member of the Republican Party, the same party as President Donald Trump.

Why Is the Ambassador Post Still Vacant?

The US ambassadorship to Brazil has been empty since January 2025, when Trump returned to the White House and Biden-appointed ambassador Elizabeth Bagley departed. Since then, Natasha Franceschi has been leading the American diplomatic mission in Brasília on an acting basis.

Perez's nomination was approved by a Senate committee two weeks ago but still awaits a full Senate floor vote. Before he can formally take the post, Brazil must also grant agrément — the standard diplomatic approval for incoming ambassadors. According to the State Department, Brazil has not yet issued that approval.

What Has Brazil Said About the Delay?

The US government claims Brazilian authorities signaled that agrément will only be granted after the October presidential elections. Brazil's foreign ministry, Itamaraty, had not publicly commented on the matter as of the latest update of the original report.

What Did the US Do in Response?

On Tuesday, August 4, the United States announced the revocation of the visa belonging to Brazil's ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti. The State Department stated this does not mean her expulsion — she may remain on US soil, but without a valid visa. Officials added that the visa could be reinstated if Brazil grants agrément to Perez.

Key Facts:
  • Daniel Perez, 39, is Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives (since 2024).
  • He is the son of Cuban immigrants; born in New York, raised in Florida from 1993.
  • The US ambassador post in Brazil has been vacant since January 2025.
  • His nomination passed a Senate committee but still needs a full Senate vote.
  • Brazil has not yet granted agrément; the US says Brasília will wait until after October elections.
  • The US revoked the visa of Brazilian ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on August 4.
  • The State Department said Viotti's visa can be restored once Brazil approves Perez.