“Trump to meet Argentina’s President-elect Milei after congratulatory call.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is planning a visit to Buenos Aires to meet Argentina’s President-elect, Javier Milei, as confirmed by Milei’s press office in a recent statement. This arrangement follows a phone conversation between the two figures, during which Trump congratulated Milei on his victory in Argentina’s November 19 presidential runoff election. Milei, a libertarian economist, secured a substantial victory over outgoing socialist Economy Minister Sergio Massa with an almost 12-point lead. Trump expressed his belief in the global significance of Milei’s win and indicated his intention to travel to Buenos Aires for a meeting.
The communication between Trump and Milei was reportedly facilitated by Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Milei himself affirmed this information on social media, confirming the nature of the conversation. Trump was notably one of the earliest to extend his congratulations to Milei, emphasizing “Make Argentina Great Again” on his Truth Social platform moments after Milei’s election. Trump continued his praise for Milei in a video message, commending his victory and expressing confidence in Milei’s ability to transform Argentina.
Milei has openly supported Trump’s economic policies, highlighting their shared stance against socialism and emphasizing the role of the private sector in generating wealth. He encouraged continued efforts in combating socialism, aligning with his beliefs shared during an interview with Tucker Carlson in September. In contrast, President Joe Biden also engaged in a conversation with Milei, praising Argentina’s democratic process and discussing the importance of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Argentina.
Notably, Milei aims to steer Argentina’s direction toward closer alignment with the United States and Israel, diverging from the former leftist administrations’ inclination towards China, Russia, and Iran. The President-elect has expressed interest in a “spiritual” trip to the U.S. and Israel before his inauguration on December 10. Plans for this journey included a visit to New York, initially scheduled to pay respects at the grave of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. However, due to impending changes in his incoming government’s cabinet and responsibilities, Milei postponed this trip, despite purported high-level engagements offered by the Biden Administration.
While Milei’s previous visits to New York and Miami were personal and community-oriented, his current trip planning is strategic, aimed at establishing new international relationships for Argentina. Despite the postponement, expectations are that Milei will return to Buenos Aires promptly after his revised travel plans.
