In Buenos Aires, Argentina’s right-wing president radiated confidence amidst global backlash against President Donald Trump’s newly declared tariffs on U.S. imports. While Europe braced for retaliation and China devised its own tariffs, Argentine President Javier Milei journeyed to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s lavish club, to be celebrated for his libertarian principles and hoped to engage Trump in conversation at a right-wing gala.
Exclaiming, “Make Argentina Great Again!” Milei captured attention in the Florida ballroom, marking what could have been his fourth encounter with Trump since the latter’s electoral victory. Milei, who has implemented stringent austerity reforms to address Argentina’s economic woes, stands as a staunch ally in a joint cultural battle against progressive ideologies.
Yet, observers remain cautious about the potential benefits of this alliance for Argentina’s economy, which is battered by its financial difficulties. Marcelo J. García from Horizon Engage suggested that while Milei’s rapport with Trump has political benefits, translating that into economic gains for Argentina remains unfulfilled.
Following in Trump’s footsteps, Milei led Argentina out of the World Health Organization, threatened to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, and aligned with Trump’s cultural policies, such as banning certain medical treatments and promoting cryptocurrency reminiscent of Trump-themed tokens. This alignment has elevated Milei’s status among supporters of Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.
Against the backdrop of global criticism over Trump’s tariffs, Milei, adorned in a tuxedo, celebrated Trump’s leadership, emphasizing action over rhetoric. In Buenos Aires, Milei’s administration, through spokesperson Manuel Adorni, worked to align Trump’s tariff decision with Argentina’s libertarian views, suggesting that the tariffs were not antithetical to free trade. Despite being subjected to a 10% tariff, officials painted it as comparatively favorable treatment for Argentina.
Amid talks in Washington, Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein reported constructive discussions with U.S. trade leaders, hinting at Argentina’s aspirations for a free-trade agreement. However, more pressing for Milei is the acquisition of a $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to bolster economic reforms amidst dwindling foreign currency reserves.
Milei, using executive orders to bypass congressional approval for a new IMF arrangement, still faces negotiations regarding the funds Argentina, with its history of defaults, can initially access. These financial strains formed the backdrop of Milei’s U.S. visit, where he anticipated informal discussions with Trump, recalling Trump’s support for a significant 2018 loan during his first presidential term.
Despite the expectations, Milei’s publicist excluded any imagery of Milei and Trump from Mar-a-Lago highlights, with no comments from the president’s office as to whether a meeting took place. Reports suggested that despite Milei’s hopes, Trump’s late arrival post-golf event likely prevented a meeting, drawing criticism from political peers such as former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. She seized on the absence of a high-profile meeting as a political misstep, questioning the point of Milei’s U.S. visit.