Argentina’s Milei Praises Trump Ahead of Critical White House Meeting

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine President Javier Milei is expressing strong support for U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of their first meeting on Tuesday. This meeting comes as Milei seeks support for his struggling economy, which is facing significant challenges.

Scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET, the meeting has generated significant anticipation. Milei, known for his controversial economic policies, has embraced Trump’s ideologies to bolster Argentina’s international standing. On social media, he praised Trump for achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, “Your commitment to life, freedom, and peace has restored hope to the world.”

Experts believe Milei has two primary goals for this meeting: negotiating tariff reductions for Argentine products and solidifying a $20 billion currency swap agreement with the U.S. The latter deal aims to stabilize Argentina’s peso as the country makes preparations for midterm elections.

The Trump administration’s intervention in Argentina’s currency markets follows a disappointing election result for Milei’s party. This loss triggered a confidence crisis among investors, causing the Argentine peso to plummet and leading to fears of inflation. As the situation worsened, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly assured support, promising a lifeline of $20 billion.

Milei’s upcoming discussions with Trump are expected to cover these economic challenges. Politically, he aims to garner investments that can help restore confidence among voters. “Milei is going to the U.S. in a moment of desperation,” said political analyst Marcelo J. García. “He needs to show that his economic model can succeed.”

In a recent interview, Milei mentioned he would discuss multiple issues with Trump, although specific details remain pending. The meeting will be followed by a working lunch with other officials and a ceremony at the White House for Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist who recently passed away.

While there is hope in Milei’s rhetoric about economic recovery, skepticism remains about Argentina’s ability to manage its debts effectively. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of a bailout, especially in light of the current U.S. government shutdown. Despite this, Milei maintains a positive outlook, claiming, “There will be an avalanche of dollars.”