BRASILIA, July 30 (Reuters) — Relations between the United States and Brazil have come under renewed strain after Brazil delayed formal diplomatic approval for Washington’s newly nominated ambassador, prompting frustration within the Trump administration.
US President Donald Trump nominated Florida lawmaker Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil on June 1. However, Brazilian officials have withheld the required diplomatic approval, known as agrément, arguing that Washington announced the nomination before securing Brazil’s consent — a departure from long-standing diplomatic protocol.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the delay has angered senior US officials, with some warning that Washington could consider retaliatory measures if the impasse is not resolved soon.
The dispute comes just months before Brazil’s presidential election in October, raising the possibility that the United States may not have a confirmed ambassador in Brasília during one of the country’s most significant political events.
Tensions between the two countries have already escalated over trade and political issues. Earlier this month, Washington imposed new tariffs on several Brazilian products, while Brazil has accused the United States of attempting to influence Latin American politics. The Trump administration, in turn, has criticized Brazil’s judicial system for allegedly discriminating against conservative figures.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the agrément process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth term in office in the October election, where national sovereignty has become a central campaign theme. His main challenger is Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a close political ally of Trump.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Perez said that ensuring a free and fair Brazilian election, while strengthening bilateral trade and security cooperation, would be among his top priorities if confirmed.
