US revokes visa of Brazil's ambassador in escalating diplomatic row

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in a retaliatory move over Brazil's delayed approval of President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brasilia. The State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the revocation would be reversed if Brazil grants approval to Daniel Perez, a prominent Florida Republican nominated in early June. The nomination still requires US Senate confirmation, but Brazil's approval is a prerequisite for Perez to assume the post. The official emphasized that Brazil owes a prompt and positive response to the US request. Viotti is not being declared persona non grata and is not forced to leave the United States. The move escalates tensions between the two countries just months before elections in Brazil, Latin America's largest nation.