Brazil withholds US ambassador agrément

The Brazilian government has for weeks withheld the formal diplomatic approval (agrément) needed for Daniel Perez, the nominee for U.S. ambassador to Brazil, to take up his post. The delay has angered U.S. officials and deepened a rift between the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere. The dispute could leave Washington without an ambassador in Brasilia ahead of Brazil's October election, adding to bilateral tensions that have already affected trade flows and resulted in accusations of interference in domestic affairs. The Trump administration may take punitive actions against Brazil if the matter is not resolved soon. Brazil is investigating Perez in keeping with standard procedure, and agrément will probably not be granted before the election. The broader context includes U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products, designation of Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organizations, and Brazil's denial of visa requests for Trump administration officials.