By Micah Jonah, March 13, 2026
Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Friday that President Trump’s adviser, Darren Beattie, had his visa revoked after attempting to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro in his prison cell in Brasilia.
Beattie, a far-right ally of Trump, was prohibited from entering Brazil, with Lula equating the move to the US revoking visas of Brazilian officials last year, including Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.
Beattie, who had misrepresented the purpose of his visit on his visa application, had sought to meet Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup plot following the 2022 election. The Brazilian Supreme Court also rejected Beattie’s visitation request earlier this week.
The decision highlights ongoing tensions between the Brazilian and US governments, despite warming relations between Lula and Trump over trade negotiations. Trump previously imposed heavy tariffs on Brazilian exports to protest Bolsonaro’s prosecution but later modified them after discussions with Lula.
Bolsonaro’s health has also raised concerns, as he was admitted to intensive care on Friday with pneumonia-related symptoms, including high fever and low oxygen levels.
Brazil is preparing for a presidential election in October, with Lula facing Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Flavio, in the race. Observers note that the country remains sensitive to potential US interventions in its domestic politics.
