BUENOS AIRES (CN) — President Javier Milei of Argentina, an anarcho-capitalist libertarian who rapidly ascended from economist and TV pundit to the nation’s president in less than three years, was one of the few sitting heads of state to attend Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration.
This rare appearance — sitting presidents are not frequently invited to presidential inaugurations in the United States — sparked significant interest, as Argentina is not typically a focal point of U.S. foreign policy.
But, Milei’s presence underscored Trump’s desire to strengthen ties with like-minded right-wing leaders across the globe, particularly those shaping the new global far-right movement. Milei’s fellow attendee, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, shares a similar political vision.
Trump and Milei had first met face-to-face about a year ago, when Milei attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February, just after assuming office. At that time, Trump, who spoke at the event, praised Milei as “one of the few who can make Argentina great again,” a sentiment that deeply moved the Argentine president. “Thank you, you’ve been very generous with me,” Milei said, hugging Trump in response.
Since that initial meeting, the relationship between Trump and Milei has only strengthened, extending beyond formal diplomacy and into forums like CPAC. In November, Milei made headlines as the only sitting president to attend the American First Policy Institute dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private golf resort, just days after Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections. This closeness has raised expectations that the growing bond between the two leaders might lead to increased international attention and potentially greater investment in Argentina.
Another world leader who has met with Milei several times and praises him frequently on social media is tech titan Elon Musk, who will lead the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, similar to the Argentine Ministry of Deregulation and Transformation of the State, created by the Milei administration to reduce the outreach of state institutions.
For Argentina’s 47 million citizens, who have long struggled with economic instability, international recognition and support could be the key to restoring credibility and attracting the foreign investments the government hopes for.
Martín Schapiro, an expert in international strategic affairs, told Courthouse News that the invitation alone could offer tangible benefits to Milei. “For Argentina, political legitimacy is crucial,” he said. “It can influence whether a government has international support or remains isolated.”
Given Argentina’s ongoing economic difficulties, compounded by its record-breaking $57 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2018, many believe that the country could benefit from enhanced relations with the United States.
Trump and Milei share a similar approach to politics, which experts say makes a second Trump presidency especially appealing for Milei. For both leaders, the priority lies in policies of nationalism, deregulation, and limited government intervention, aligning them on a shared ideological platform. They also oppose progressive ideology and agendas related to gender rights, climate change and social justice.
However, Schapiro remains cautious about the prospects for any major breakthroughs in Argentina’s relationship with the IMF. While Milei has expressed intentions to reverse currency controls — one of the IMF’s major concerns — Schapiro noted that the Argentine president has yet to take concrete action.
“I remain somewhat skeptical,” he said, that the IMF would provide any lifeline for the government if they keep up that monetary policy. He said that the divergence over exchange rate policy remains a substantial obstacle to further cooperation with the IMF.
Schapiro pointed out that the IMF’s tone toward Milei’s administration has remained largely positive. “The IMF has been overwhelmingly positive about the course of Argentina’s economic policy,” he said, signaling that while significant challenges remain, there is some cautious optimism about the country’s trajectory under Milei’s leadership.
Beyond their shared economic concerns, Milei and Trump are aligned in a broader political project, one rooted in opposition to progressive ideologies and the promotion of a reactionary global movement. Sociologist Juan Gabriel Tokatlian has described this movement as the “reactionary international” — a loose coalition of right-wing political figures united by a common opposition to leftist, progressive causes. This ideological bloc often reflects a nostalgia for earlier political systems and emphasizes cultural confrontation, championing issues such as national sovereignty, economic deregulation and cultural conservatism.
Milei and Trump are key figures in this movement, which seeks to reshape regional and global politics through a rhetoric of civilizational conflict. This ideology frequently invokes Cold War-era themes, especially in its opposition to socialism and its commitment to what both leaders frame as a “cultural war” against progressive forces. The leaders’ shared views on key issues, like climate change, further highlight their ideological convergence.
For instance, Trump’s announcement during his inauguration speech that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change mirrors a similar stance taken by Milei in 2024. Although the Argentine government backtracked on its announcement shortly after making it, experts anticipate that the two administrations may continue to support each other on such controversial global issues.
“The Milei administration is the closest ally the United States will have in Latin America — at least until the current electoral cycle concludes,” Schapiro said. Milei’s government could become a reliable partner for the U.S. in advancing their shared political and economic goals internationally.
Milei’s increasing closeness with key figures in U.S. politics also indicates the deepening ties between the two countries. Earlier this week, Milei met with Marco Rubio, the newly appointed secretary of state, at a gala event. Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy positions on countries like Cuba and Venezuela, is considered a controversial figure by several Latin American leaders. Nevertheless, Milei expressed admiration for Rubio, describing him as “a real connoisseur of Latin America” and “a relentless defender of freedom values.”
Their growing alliance could further benefit the U.S. in several foreign policy areas, particularly regarding issues Trump has raised about Latin America. One such issue is the ownership of the Panama Canal, which Trump claimed is being “operated” by China. His administration has suggested that the U.S. will dispute control of the canal, a contentious issue in U.S.-Latin American relations.
Schapiro believes Argentina will be a key partner in this regard, noting that Milei’s government is unlikely to challenge U.S. positions on sensitive issues involving China. “The U.S. sees Argentina as an important partner and regional ally that is unlikely to cross any ‘red lines’ regarding sensitive issues involving China,” he said. Schapiro also added that Argentina could, in time, lend rhetorical support to U.S. positions in various international forums, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
Ultimately, the relationship between Milei and Trump appears to be rooted in shared ideological convictions. “Trump will find in Milei a political figure with international relevance who amplifies the global right’s anti-woke narrative,” Schapiro said. “He is, to Trump, an example of a ‘good government’ and an economic miracle.”