The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the United States in retaliation for Brazil's denial of visas last month for two American diplomats who sought to visit the country ahead of upcoming elections, as well as Brazil's stalling on approving President Donald Trump's nominee to be ambassador in Brasilia.
The State Department said the decision on Tuesday was a reciprocal response to Brazil's move.
Officials said the step had been delayed several times to give Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva room to back down, something he did not do.
Officials said, however, that it could be quickly reversed if Brazil takes appropriate action and accepts Trump's ambassadorial choice.
Leftist Lula will face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, whose father once served as Brazil's president, in the October 4 polls.
Despite the action, the official said Washington put great importance on the relationship with Brazil and that it respected the Brazilian people in whatever government they choose through free and fair elections in Brazil.
"We want to be back in a situation where we have a normal, productive, transparent relationship with our colleagues," the official said.
