The Donald Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, over what was described as payback for Brasília’s visa denial of two American envoys last month, deepening the diplomatic feud between both countries.

“We communicated continually with the Brazilian government for weeks and have given the Brazilian government every opportunity to do the right thing, yet they have continually delayed and obfuscated,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said.

The visa revocation meant Ms Viotti would be required to reapply for a visa before entering the U.S.

“This is a reciprocal action,” the spokesperson said. “Should the ambassador leave the country, she would need to reapply for a visa.”

At issue was President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s rejection of Mr Trump’s nominee for the ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Perez. The State Department said Mr Silva had no right to reject who Mr Trump wants to represent his country’s interests in Brazil.

“President Trump has the right to determine who represents the American people and interests around the world,” the State Department said. “We reject any effort by foreign countries to interfere in our domestic processes.”

Mr Silva faulted the Trump administration for announcing Mr Perez as ambassador without first consulting him and seeking his approval, as is typical of ambassadorial appointments.

Also, Mr Trump favours Mr Silva’s first-term successor and predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who has been convicted for attempting to overturn his defeat at the elections.

Brazil said the visas for the two American diplomats were denied because it had strong reasons to believe they were plotting to meddle in its politics.

But Washington denied the claim.

“Any insinuation of a ‘ploy’ to undermine a democratic nation’s election is a baseless lie,” the State Department said at the time.