 "Trump meets Milei at White House, reaffirms support for Argentine president’s re-election")
Days after the United States approved a major financial lifeline for Argentina, President Javier Milei arrived at the White House on Tuesday for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who publicly reaffirmed his support for Milei’s re-election bid.
Trump, who had previously endorsed Milei during the UN General Assembly in September by handing him a printout of a Truth Social post, confirmed the endorsement again during their meeting.
As Milei arrived, Trump was asked if he had a message for the Argentine people. He responded: “We love them. We’ll be here for them. They have a great leader.”
Earlier this month, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced support for a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina’s central bank, aimed at stabilising the country’s economy by exchanging US dollars for volatile Argentine pesos.
The move marks a significant shift for the Trump administration, which has largely avoided major foreign interventions. The White House has framed the deal as a strategic effort to support a key regional ally, but it has not come without controversy.
During his meeting with Milei on Tuesday, President Trump linked future financial assistance to the outcome of Argentina’s upcoming legislative elections, which will determine whether Milei can push through sweeping economic reforms.
_"_Your poll numbers I hear are pretty good, but I think they’ll be better after this," AFP quoted Trump as saying.
“And you know, our approvals are somewhat subject to who wins the election, because if a socialist… wins you feel a lot differently about making an investment,” he added.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAt home, the bailout has drawn sharp criticism.
According to a Reuters report, several Democratic lawmakers have accused Trump of focusing on foreign bailouts and protecting overseas investments while the US government remains shut down.
American farmers have also expressed frustration, citing China’s recent shift in soybean purchases from US producers to Argentine suppliers, added the report.
While the full terms of the currency swap remain undisclosed, analysts suggest the deal could offer Milei a much-needed political lift as he attempts to manage a deepening economic crisis and rally support ahead of critical midterm elections.
Last month, Milei’s party suffered a setback after losing a key provincial vote, heightening the stakes for the upcoming contest.
The agreement also highlights the Trump administration’s willingness to back a close political ally.
Trump has openly praised Milei — whom he has called his “favorite president” — and the Argentine leader was one of only two foreign heads of state to appear onstage during Trump’s inauguration.
With inputs from agencies
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