Trump team denied visas by Brazil amid fears of election influence — Reuters
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (photo: Getty Images)
Brazil denied visa requests from two Trump administration officials who planned to visit the country to question the integrity of its electoral system, according to Reuters.
Based on sources, the planned US visit was seen as an attempt to influence Brazil's presidential election in October, in which incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump.
Reuters reported that Brazil rejected visa applications for a US delegation that was expected to include Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Samuel Samson.
The alleged attempt to influence Brazil's election comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to shape political debates across Latin America.
"His recent 'complete and total endorsement' of Colombia's President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella followed support for leaders including Javier Milei in Argentina and José Antonio Kast in Chile," Reuters wrote as an example.
Trump shifts power
As previously reported, earlier this year, on January 3, the United States carried out a major operation in Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained and taken to the United States.
Following the operation, Trump said there would be no pardon for Maduro because he saw no grounds for one. As a result, Venezuela effectively came under US control.
