A senior official at the U.S. Department of State told CNN Brasil that the government of former President Donald Trump will respect the choices of the Brazilian people and the result of the 2026 presidential election.
"We respect the Brazilian people and whatever government they freely choose through free and fair elections in Brazil," the official said when asked about allegations of U.S. interference in the Brazilian vote.
The official added that the United States has maintained relationships with Brazilian leaders across the political spectrum. "We have respected and maintained relations with governments on both sides of the political spectrum in Brazil, and we have had very successful relationships with them," the official stated.
Context of Visa Disputes
The statement comes amid a series of visa cancellations and denials between the two countries. The Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Viotti, citing delays in granting agrément—the formal approval for an ambassador to assume post—and previous denials of visas to U.S. officials.
In response, the Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT), has denied visas to several U.S. officials, claiming they intended to interfere in the October 2026 election. Among those denied were Darren Beattie, a State Department adviser, and two assistants in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Riley Barnes and Samuel Samson.
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Itamaraty, said the visa denials were justified because the visitors planned to question the integrity of Brazil’s electoral system. The U.S. Department of State denied the allegations, describing the trips as routine missions to discuss democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.
Diplomatic Tit-for-Tat
Lula has accused the United States of openly attempting to meddle in Brazil’s electoral process, a shift from earlier, more discreet claims. After the revocation of Viotti’s visa, Lula warned that Brazil would "confront anyone from abroad who tries to intervene in our electoral system."
Itamaraty echoed this view, stating that the cancellation of Viotti’s visa made it "obvious" that the United States had an "undue interest" in interfering with the next presidential election. The ministry also noted that the ambassadorial post had been vacant for one year and seven months, suggesting a lack of urgency from the Trump side to fill the position.
As of August 2026, Brazil had not granted the formal agrément to Daniel Pérez, the Trump administration’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Brasília. Brazilian officials said the approval is unlikely to be issued before the October election.
Outlook
Despite the tensions, the State Department official’s comment signals a willingness to uphold the principle of non‑interference in Brazil’s democratic process. The reciprocal visa actions highlight growing friction, but both sides continue to emphasize respect for democratic norms and bilateral engagement on issues such as trade, security, and human rights.
Single-source reporting
This article is based on reporting from CNN Brasil. No additional sources were consulted for the factual claims presented.