US Revokes Brazilian Ambassador's Visa

Why Did the US Revoke the Brazilian Ambassador's Visa?

The US State Department stated the move was a direct response to Brazil's delay in granting agrément — the standard diplomatic clearance — for Daniel Perez to take up his post as US Ambassador in Brasília. Washington says it communicated with Brazil "continuously for weeks" and offered "every opportunity" to resolve the impasse, but faced repeated delays.

Who Is Daniel Perez?

Daniel Perez, 39, is the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and a Republican. Born in New York to Cuban immigrant parents, he moved to Florida as a child. Trump nominated him for the ambassadorship to Brazil in June; a US Senate committee approved the nomination roughly two weeks ago, though a full Senate vote is still pending. If confirmed, Perez would be the first US Ambassador to Brazil since Elizabeth Bagley, appointed under Joe Biden. The post has been vacant since January 2025, when Trump returned to the White House.

What Is an Agrément and Why Did It Cause Friction?

An agrément is formal diplomatic approval from the host country before a foreign ambassador can take office. Brazil had not yet granted this clearance, which the US cited as the trigger for revoking Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti's visa. Reports indicate that Brazil's government was also uncomfortable because the White House announced Perez's nomination publicly before completing the standard confidential consultations with Brasília.

Was the Ambassador Expelled?

No. The State Department clarified that Viotti may remain in the United States. However, if she leaves the country, she would need to apply for a new visa before re-entering.

How Did Brazil Respond?

Brazil's foreign ministry, Itamaraty, strongly repudiated the decision, called the US justifications "false," and described the move as part of an escalating pattern of hostile actions against Brazil.