Kathmandu— The White House has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in response to Brazil denying entry to two US diplomats. The decision is part of a broader diplomatic tension between the Trump administration and President Lula da Silva's government over election interference allegations.

US State Department Explains Visa Revocation

State Department officials stated that Ambassador Viotti’s visa revocation does not equate to her expulsion from the United States. According to unnamed sources, if Brazil accepts Trump's nominee for ambassador, Daniel Perez, the visa could be reinstated immediately.

Despite the diplomatic setback, the State Department emphasized its commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with Brazil and respecting the country’s democratic process.

Brazil Rejects US Accusations

In response to the visa revocation, Brazil's government accused the United States of attempting to interfere in its upcoming presidential election. President Lula da Silva’s office described the move as an escalation and a clear indication of ideological motivations.

The Brazilian government maintains that the denial of visas to US officials was not aimed at undermining elections but rather preventing activities it deemed inappropriate.

Background on Diplomatic Tensions

Tensions between the two nations have been escalating since June when Brazil withheld approval for Trump’s ambassadorial nominee, Daniel Perez. The delay in approving Perez's nomination followed a series of visa denials to US officials who were planning to visit Brazil ahead of its October elections.

These actions are part of a larger context of diplomatic friction between the Trump administration and President Lula da Silva’s government, which has been critical of what it perceives as undue foreign influence in domestic affairs.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.