Brazil withholds approval of Trump's ambassador pick, deepening rift with U.S.
Brazil is withholding diplomatic approval for President Trump's ambassador nominee, Daniel Perez, citing a breach of protocol regarding the nomination process. This delay has strained U.S.-Brazil relations ahead of Brazil's upcoming October election.
Why it matters
The diplomatic standoff reflects growing tensions between the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere and could impact bilateral trade and political cooperation.
The Brazilian government has for weeks withheld the formal diplomatic approval needed for the next U.S. ambassador to take up his post, angering U.S. officials and deepening a rift between the Western Hemisphere’s two largest democracies.
The dispute could leave Washington without an ambassador in Brasilia ahead of Brazil’s October election, adding to bilateral tensions that have affected trade flows and resulted in accusations of interference in domestic affairs. Daniel Perez, a Florida state representative and close ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1. The nomination occurred before the U.S. sought Brazil’s approval, a common diplomatic step known as “agrément,” said four people familiar with the matter.
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