Marco Rubio and the diplomatic crisis between the USA and Brazil in 2026

How does Marco Rubio work to expand the influence of the United States in Brazil?

Marco Rubio uses the State Department to apply what experts call the ‘Donroe Doctrine’, a modern version of the old Monroe Doctrine. This strategy mixes political pressure with economic tools to align neighboring governments with American interests. In the case of Brazil, this translates into severe criticism of Lula’s proximity to authoritarian regimes and the imposition of 25% trade tariffs. Rubio also exerts influence over other parts of the Trump administration to isolate countries that Washington considers unfriendly or overly aligned with China.

What were the concrete retaliatory measures adopted against the Brazilian government?

Tension reached its peak with the revocation of the visa of the Brazilian ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Viotti. This measure was a direct response to the Lula government’s delay in accepting the new American ambassador in Brasília, Daniel Perez, and Brazil’s denial of visas to US employees. Furthermore, Rubio promoted the revocation of visas for minister Alexandre de Moraes and other names in the PT government, such as the Union’s attorney general, Jorge Messias. Another point of friction was the classification of the criminal factions PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations by the USA.

Why does the presence of ambassadors appointed by Rubio bother the Latino left?

Marco Rubio has prioritized the appointment of ‘political’ ambassadors of Latin origin rather than career diplomats. These envoys are seen by the left as direct agents of Rubio, acting with less neutrality and more ideological focus. In Argentina and Peru, these representatives have already been accused of interfering in internal matters and pressuring local institutions. One example is Daniel Perez, nominated for Brazil, who is so aligned with the Secretary of State that he received the nickname ‘Mini Rubio’, signaling that American diplomacy will be focused on rigorously combating corruption and Chinese influence.

What is the impact of this diplomatic conflict on the Brazilian presidential elections?

The fight with Rubio takes place on the eve of the presidential election in Brazil, scheduled for October. Lula tries to capitalize politically on the conflict by using rhetoric of national sovereignty, accusing Rubio of being a ‘bolsonarist’ and arrogant. On the other hand, experts warn that the erosion of trust between nations could harm sensitive areas, such as transnational security and the flow of investments. While the opposition uses diplomatic isolation to criticize the government, the average voter must decide their vote based on issues such as the economy and cost of living, absorbing friction only as external noise.