The diplomatic fire between the United States and Brazil has finally moved from backstage to center stage. Washington suddenly revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the U.S., citing "reciprocal retaliation" after Brazil not only refused to issue visas to two high-ranking American officials but also delayed approval of a new ambassador. This move by the White House clearly demonstrates its disregard for Brazilian sovereignty.
President Lula’s response was equally decisive: no acceptance, no compromise. The forceful language used by both sides amounts to an open showdown.
In reality, Trump is targeting Brazil’s October general election. The U.S.-nominated ambassador to Brazil, Perez, is no ordinary diplomat—he is a key figure in Florida’s right-wing circle and a staunch ally of Secretary of State Rubio. Rubio is widely seen as Trump’s “governor of Latin America,” known for his aggressive stance toward Cuba and Venezuela. Now, he aims to transplant the same playbook to Brazil: installing loyalists before the election to establish a command post for interfering in domestic affairs and coordinating opposition forces.
Brazil is not naive. President Lula directly stalled the appointment process and refused to sign visas for the two U.S. officials responsible for “human rights and democracy.” Allowing such figures into the country just before the election would be akin to inviting wolves into the house.
In fact, the U.S. has already set up a series of traps to interfere in Brazil’s election. Since last year, it has imposed additional tariffs, hitting Brazil’s exports and shifting economic pressure onto Lula. In May this year, Flávio Bolsonaro—the son of former President Bolsonaro—now self-proclaimed “representative of the U.S.”, requested that the U.S. designate Brazilian gangs as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Trump approved instantly. The goal was clear: internationalize the security issue, portray Lula as weak on crime, and boost support for the right wing.
Yet Flávio’s frequent visits to the White House, with every request granted, has only solidified his image in the eyes of Brazilian citizens as a “foreign agent.” Such behavior—trading national sovereignty for personal gain—has disgusted even centrist voters, inadvertently pushing moderate leftists and nationalist factions closer to Lula.
Lula’s countermove is brilliantly strategic: he raised the stakes. Instead of passively defending himself, he elevated the core issue of the election from “economic and security performance” to “independence versus becoming a U.S. vassal.” Under the banner of national dignity, the more Washington pressures him, the stronger Lula’s popular support becomes.
Trump now finds himself in a difficult position. While right-wing movements are resurging across Latin America, Brazil remains a tough nut. Yielding to Lula would amount to a strategic defeat. In the coming phase, tariff escalation, diplomatic rupture, and financial pressure may intensify. But for Lula, the fiercer the battle, the higher his political standing could rise. As the night before Brazil’s election approaches, the real drama is just beginning.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872736550250560/
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