Trump Ties US Support for Argentina to Milei’s Election Success
US President Donald Trump emphasized on Tuesday that American assistance to Argentina is contingent upon the success of Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party in the upcoming midterm elections, with reelection prospects in 2027 also weighing heavily on the decision. Trump described the elections as “very important” and “being watched by the world,” reports 24brussels.
Trump stated, “Victory is very important; it is very important to know who is going to win the election, whether it will be a socialist or not.” He warned that if a “socialist or a communist” were to emerge victorious in the October 26 elections or those in 2027, US investment would be reconsidered, stating that “we will not be generous with Argentina” under such circumstances.
The expected one-on-one meeting at the Oval Office between Trump and Argentine leaders, as indicated by Argentine diplomatic channels, did not occur. In Buenos Aires, speculation has arisen regarding the future of Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein in light of these developments.
Trump voiced strong opposition to any military agreements between Argentina and China, particularly regarding the establishment of military bases in Patagonia, further reiterating that US financial support is reliant on Argentina’s political direction. “If Milei does not win the election, I know that the person who would be running in 2027 is a far-left communist responsible for leading the country into this problem in the first place. If that happens, then we will not be generous with Argentina,” he forecasted.
On social media, Trump expressed his endorsement for Milei, stating, “Great meeting today with Javier Milei! He is doing the right things for his Country. I hope the people of Argentina understand how good a job he is doing and will support his work during the upcoming Midterms so we can continue to help him achieve Argentina’s incredible potential. Javier Milei has my Complete and Total Endorsement — He will not let you down. MAKE ARGENTINA GREAT AGAIN!”
Milei acknowledged Trump’s backing for the “free world” against the “threat of 21st-century socialism.” He also thanked Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent for his assistance in addressing Argentina’s liquidity crisis, attributing it to “political attacks… from our opponents.” He pointed out, “I want to thank Secretary (Scott) Bessent for his tremendous work in helping to overcome Argentina’s liquidity problem as a result of the political attacks we received from our opponents, who do not want Argentina to embrace the ideas of freedom but rather outdated ideas that lead to socialism.”
Bessent took to social media, asserting, “Honored to participate in @POTUS meeting with President @JMilei to discuss how Argentina can be Great Again by embracing economic freedom. President Milei has given Argentina a chance to end a decades-long decline under Peronism, and we hope Argentina seizes the opportunity under his leadership.”
Following the White House meeting, Milei was set to attend a ceremony honoring Charlie Kirk, an activist who was murdered on September 10 in Utah, before returning to Buenos Aires on Wednesday morning.
