The Brazilian government has delayed granting formal approval for the nomination of Daniel Perez as the next U.S. ambassador to Brazil, a move that has heightened tensions between the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere. Perez, a Florida state representative and ally of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was nominated by President Donald Trump on June 1 before the customary diplomatic step of seeking Brazil’s consent—known as agrément—was requested.
Brazilian officials reportedly view this sequence as a breach of protocol, resulting in the suspension of Perez’s agrément amid an ongoing investigation by Brazilian authorities. Several Brazilian diplomats indicated that the approval is unlikely to be granted before Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for October 4. The Foreign Ministry declined to comment, citing the confidentiality principle outlined in the Vienna Convention.
The delay comes amid strained relations between Brazil and the Trump administration. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is campaigning for a fourth non-consecutive term, has emphasized national sovereignty and accused U.S. officials of attempting to influence the upcoming election. Lula stated on July 29 that Brazil denied visa requests for two Trump administration officials whom he accused of intending to interfere in Brazil’s political process. The U.S. State Department rejected claims of election meddling.
The diplomatic friction extends beyond the ambassadorial appointment. Earlier this year, the State Department designated two Brazilian organized crime groups as terrorist organizations despite Brazilian government objections. Additionally, the United States imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods: a 25% tariff citing unfair trade practices and a subsequent 12.5% levy linked to concerns over forced labor.
Sources familiar with internal discussions said some Trump administration officials are increasingly frustrated with Brazil’s handling of the agrément process and are considering punitive measures if the situation remains unresolved by the end of July. The nomination has passed a Senate committee and awaits a full Senate vote but cannot proceed without Brazil’s agrément.
The rift reflects broader political complexities, with Lula’s main electoral challenger, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro—son of former President Jair Bolsonaro—seeking to align more closely with Trump and U.S. conservatives. Meanwhile, the ongoing diplomatic standoff underscores the challenges facing U.S.-Brazil relations as both countries navigate domestic political pressures and regional influence.