The government of Brazil has not granted official diplomatic approval for several weeks, preventing the new U.S. ambassador from beginning work. This delay has sparked outrage among American officials and widened the rift between the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere.
This dispute could leave Washington without an ambassador in Brasília ahead of crucial elections in October, further straining bilateral relations that have already been affected by trade tensions and mutual accusations of interference in internal affairs. Daniel Perez, a representative from Florida and a close associate of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1. Four sources familiar with the situation reported that this nomination occurred before the U.S. sought Brazil‘s agrément — the preliminary consent required for an ambassador’s appointment.
According to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidentiality of diplomatic negotiations, Brasília views this as a breach of diplomatic protocol. Perez’s candidacy is currently awaiting a final vote in the U.S. Senate after receiving committee approval last week, but he cannot take office until Brazil grants agrément.
In recent days, some members of the Trump administration have expressed growing frustration with what they perceive as a deliberate delay by Brazil, according to two sources. One source indicated that the administration may consider punitive measures against Brazil as early as the end of the week if the situation is not resolved soon.
Tense Relations and Mutual Accusations
The administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has long had strained relations with the U.S. State Department, led by Marco Rubio, over perceived attempts to influence political processes in Latin America in favor of conservatives. Meanwhile, the Trump administration accuses the Brazilian government of censoring conservative figures and engaging in politically motivated justice.
Commenting on the delay in granting agrément to Perez, a U.S. State Department representative stated: “President Trump has the right to determine who represents the American people and the interests of the United States in the world. The president is forming the ‘America First’ diplomatic team subject to Senate approval. We reject any attempts by foreign states to interfere in our internal processes.”
Brazil is currently conducting a standard review of Perez’s candidacy, according to two Brazilian officials. One noted that agrément is unlikely to be granted before the presidential elections in Brazil on October 4. “We are not saying that we will refuse agrément, but there is no set deadline,” he said. “It is the receiving state that decides when the appropriate moment has come.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil stated that it does not comment on the process as it “is covered by the principle of confidentiality established by the Vienna Convention.” A request sent to Perez’s office in the Florida House of Representatives went unanswered.
Elections in Brazil and Priorities of the New Ambassador
National sovereignty has become a key slogan for President Lula, who is seeking a fourth term in the October elections. His main rival is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who positions Trump as his key international ally.
In June, the U.S. State Department designated two Brazilian organized crime groups as terrorist organizations, despite objections from the Brazilian government. This month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on several Brazilian goods, citing unfair trade practices. Last week, the U.S. also announced an additional 12.5% fee, motivated by concerns over the use of forced labor.
A few days later, two Brazilian officials told Reuters that Brazil had denied visas to two representatives of the Trump administration who planned to visit the country to question the reliability of its electoral system. Polls indicate that Lula maintains a small but steady lead over Flavio Bolsonaro. During committee hearings this month, Perez told senators that the October elections in Brazil would be one of his top priorities if appointed. He emphasized that the U.S. should support conditions for free and fair elections while enhancing trade cooperation and security collaboration with Brazil. “We have a trade surplus in relations with Brazil, but there are still areas with significant imbalances,” said Perez, referring to the energy and agricultural sectors.
Source: The Straits Times
