Despite Argentina's limited geopolitical influence, President Trump finds value in President Milei's unwavering admiration, potentially reshaping U.S. alliances.
**Trump and Milei: A Friendship Marked by Praise and Economic Ambiguity**
**Trump and Milei: A Friendship Marked by Praise and Economic Ambiguity**
As tensions rise globally, the unique bond between Trump and Argentine President Milei emphasizes cultural affinity over economic significance.
April 3, 2025, 9:58 a.m. ET
The day after President Trump unveiled his most aggressive tariff plan, he planned to travel to Florida to meet his self-proclaimed "favorite president," Javier Milei of Argentina. Milei had flown in overnight to accept an award at a right-wing event hosted at Mar-a-Lago. As it was scheduled, Milei expressed hope that he could meet with Trump, who was also slated to receive recognition there.
This visit marked Milei’s tenth journey to the U.S. in just over a year, with nearly every trip resulting in encounters with either Trump or prominent figures like Elon Musk. Trump's foreign policy approach has suggested a focus primarily on American interests, making the special status granted to Argentina somewhat perplexing. Notably, Milei and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were the only foreign leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration.
Argentina's standing as an economic or geopolitical partner is far from robust, which makes Trump’s choice to elevate Buenos Aires in U.S. foreign affairs quite intriguing. Instead of economic benefits, Argentina seems to provide Trump with something he deeply values: consistent admiration and support. Milei's fervent endorsement of Trump may play a significant role in this unconventional alliance, further defining the future of U.S.-Argentina relations.
The day after President Trump unveiled his most aggressive tariff plan, he planned to travel to Florida to meet his self-proclaimed "favorite president," Javier Milei of Argentina. Milei had flown in overnight to accept an award at a right-wing event hosted at Mar-a-Lago. As it was scheduled, Milei expressed hope that he could meet with Trump, who was also slated to receive recognition there.
This visit marked Milei’s tenth journey to the U.S. in just over a year, with nearly every trip resulting in encounters with either Trump or prominent figures like Elon Musk. Trump's foreign policy approach has suggested a focus primarily on American interests, making the special status granted to Argentina somewhat perplexing. Notably, Milei and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were the only foreign leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration.
Argentina's standing as an economic or geopolitical partner is far from robust, which makes Trump’s choice to elevate Buenos Aires in U.S. foreign affairs quite intriguing. Instead of economic benefits, Argentina seems to provide Trump with something he deeply values: consistent admiration and support. Milei's fervent endorsement of Trump may play a significant role in this unconventional alliance, further defining the future of U.S.-Argentina relations.
