U.S. Officials Blocked from Brazil | Spokane News

Brazil has shut the door on two U.S. officials slated to visit and probe its election system, calling their mission a politically motivated attempt to undermine democracy. Assistant Secretary Riley M. Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary Samuel Samson were set to tour Brazil from July 27–30 to discuss election integrity, religious freedom, and free speech — a trip the U.S. insists is routine and diplomatic. But Brazil’s refusal, citing evidence of foreign interference, signals a firm defense of its electoral sovereignty. The move echoes past efforts by former President Jair Bolsonaro — who’s now imprisoned for plotting to overturn 2022’s results — and his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who’s reigniting doubts about Brazil’s electronic voting machines, despite denials from both the vendor and the electoral court. The U.S. denies any wrongdoing, but Brazil’s stance leaves no room for doubt: its elections are not for sale. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b3bbbe8a4af81f38