U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Todd Chapman announced his imminent retirement today. He was appointed to serve in Brasília by former U.S. President Donald Trump late in 2019, and will be replaced — on an interim basis — by Deputy Chief of Mission Douglas Koneff.
Throughout his 30-year career within the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Chapman spent a total of 12 years in Brazil. “Having spent so much of my life in Brazil, I have great admiration, respect, and affection for Brazil and the Brazilian people. While my time as U.S. Ambassador will conclude, my relationship with Brazil will continue in the years ahead, thanks to the wonderful friendships I have formed here over a lifetime,” he wrote in a statement.
During his current stint, Mr. Chapman became close to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his family. The head of state celebrated last year’s American Independence Day in the U.S. Embassy — days later, Mr. Bolsonaro tested positive for the coronavirus. Mr. Chapman, however, was not infected.
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