Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized the U.S. administration's decision to revoke the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luisa Ribeiro Viotti, labeling the move as "irresponsible and reckless," marking the latest chapter in the diplomatic tension between the two nations.
The U.S. action followed Brazil's delay in granting official approval for President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. ambassador to Brazil, alongside its denial of entry visas for two American diplomats.
In response, the U.S. State Department clarified that the visa revocation does not equate to the expulsion of the ambassador from the country, but rather a temporary diplomatic measure.
A State Department official stated that Ambassador Viotti's visa would be reinstated once the dispute is resolved, indicating that "balance" would require Brazil's approval of the U.S. nominee for the ambassadorial post in Brazil.
This escalation highlights ongoing diplomatic discord between Washington and Brasilia, amid an exchange of actions concerning diplomatic representation and visas by both parties.