Argentina’s President Meets with Trump to Secure Support

Argentina’s President Javier Milley met with Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. During their meeting, Milley gained Trump’s backing ahead of the midterm parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

Both leaders enjoyed lunch together, coinciding with the U.S. finalizing a $20 billion currency exchange deal with Argentina’s central bank. This initiative aims to bolster Argentina’s economic recovery, a key aspect of Milley’s agenda to amend years of socialist governance that has nearly driven the country to collapse.

After welcoming Milley, Trump remarked to reporters, “We love them. We’re here for them. They have great leaders, very great leaders. Thank you.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized during the meeting that Milley is tackling a century’s worth of economic failures. He noted that the prior administration wasted a chance to foster closer ties with Latin America as many nations shifted towards center-right governments.

“We are not ignoring our allies. We are using our economic power to create peace,” Bessent highlighted.

Milley expressed his appreciation to Trump and his administration for successfully securing the release of the last 20 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel. He commended Trump for recognizing the dangers posed by “21st century socialism” to both Latin America and beyond, while also thanking Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Moreover, Milley conveyed his thanks to the Finance Ministry amid local dissenters who appear resistant to embracing the “idea of freedom.” They seem more inclined towards a path that leads back to socialism, advocating for deals that would help Argentina address its liquidity struggles.

He stated, “Thank you very much for welcoming me and for your commitment to a free world. I also want to thank Secretary Bessent for the tremendous task he has carried out. It gives us peace of mind and permits us to pursue what good Argentines should do. I believe this will serve as a great example to the world that freedom fosters prosperity.”

Milley also presented Trump with a plaque featuring a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Additionally, he delivered a letter from families of three former Argentine hostages held by Hamas, expressing their gratitude for his peace efforts in the Middle East.

Trump emphasized his honor in hosting Milley, reiterating his complete support for him in the approaching elections. He conveyed, “I want to see Argentina succeed, and I believe that Mr. Milley’s leadership can achieve that. He is moving in the right direction.”

The upcoming parliamentary elections are crucial for Argentina, covering about half of the deputy seats, along with 24 of the 72 Senate seats. Currently, the ruling Freedom Progressive Party lacks a majority in both chambers, and Milley is up for re-election in 2027.

Trump noted the approaching midterm elections as significant, stating, “It’s a very big election and the whole world is watching because he did a great job, but it does come with a certain amount of pain. They’re in pain, but they’re coming out of it now. I think it’s a very important win.” He also mentioned that he’s heard polling numbers look promising.

He pointed out that U.S. support may hinge on the election’s outcome, implying potential hesitance in investment if leftist candidates triumph, adding, “If we lose, we won’t be lenient with Argentina.”

Upon taking office, Milley restructured Argentina’s foreign policy, aligning it closely with the U.S. and Israel, marking a departure from nearly two decades of socialist rule which had leaned towards nations like Iran and China.

Marco Rubio emphasized Argentina’s support for around eight to nine Latin American countries cooperating with the U.S. He also referenced upcoming presidential runoff elections in Bolivia between candidates favoring strong American ties.

Milley was reportedly accompanied by key officials including his sister, Presidential Secretary-General Carina Milley, alongside other ministers and the Argentine Ambassador to the U.S., Alec Oxenford.