Folks, I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest drama between the US and Brazil, and I have to say, it’s getting interesting. The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the US, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, and I’m trying to figure out what’s behind this move. Apparently, it’s a “reciprocal action” to Brazil’s delay in granting diplomatic approval to the US pick for ambassador to that country, Daniel Perez. I mean, who doesn’t love a good game of diplomatic tit-for-tat, right?
The State Department is being careful not to declare Amb. Viotti “persona non-grata,” which is just a fancy way of saying they’re not kicking her out of the country… yet. A senior State Department official said the visa revocation is not the same thing as booting her out, but I’m not sure what the difference is, aside from the fact that she can’t get a new visa. It’s all a bit confusing, but I suppose that’s just the way diplomacy works sometimes.
The official also mentioned that the revocation occurs in the context of several other diplomatic disputes that have developed over the last year or so, including Brazil’s refusal to grant visas to US officials. It’s like a big game of diplomatic chess, where each side is trying to outmaneuver the other. And in the middle of all this, the US is waiting for Brazil to grant agrément to Perez, which is just a fancy way of saying “please let our guy be ambassador.”
According to the official, Viotti’s visa would be immediately restored if agrément is given to Perez. So, it’s all just a big waiting game, I suppose. The US is focused on getting a prompt and positive answer to their request for agrément, and Brazil is… well, who knows what Brazil is doing, but I’m sure it’s all very complicated.
The move comes ahead of Brazil’s October elections, which will see current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva face Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The younger Bolsonaro met with members of the Trump administration earlier this year, which is probably just a coincidence, but you never know. CNN has reached out to the Brazilian Embassy for comment, but so far, no word.
As I finish my coffee and wrap up this story, I have to say, it’s all a bit of a mess. But hey, that’s just the way diplomacy works sometimes, right? The US and Brazil are playing a game of diplomatic chicken, and it’s anyone’s guess who will blink first. And in the end, it’s all just a big show, a game of international politics and posturing. But hey, at least it’s entertaining, and that’s all that really matters, right? 😊
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
