Javier Milei, the newly elected president of Argentina, is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to the United States next week, where he will meet with Donald Trump, the president-elect. This trip is timed with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) gathering at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Reports from Argentine media indicate that Milei will not only deliver a speech at CPAC but will also conduct his first formal meeting with Trump on November 14 or 15. This is particularly notable as Milei has consistently expressed his support for Trump and plans to realign Argentina’s foreign policy closer to the United States and Israel, highlighting a shift from his predecessors’ approaches.
Milei’s relationship with Trump is well-established, as they previously met during a CPAC gathering in Maryland earlier this year. During that meeting, Trump praised Milei, referring to him as a “great gentleman,” while Milei reciprocated, calling Trump a “great president.” These statements reflect a mutual respect that could bolster the ties between the two nations. Furthermore, Milei’s public declarations emphasize his desire to see the U.S. overcome current political challenges, which he associates with the Democratic leadership, particularly figures like President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He expressed hopes for a resurgence of economic freedom and prosperity in the United States with Trump’s potential return to power.
In the upcoming visit, Milei is also expected to meet with other influential figures, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and prominent businessman Elon Musk. The Argentine president has been an advocate for deregulation and has already implemented considerable changes in his administration aimed at revamping the economy. Milei’s administration has adopted a “chainsaw” strategy, aimed at trimming down government regulation and bureaucracy—a necessary approach according to Milei in a country plagued by extensive governmental controls from previous leftist regimes. He aims to streamline the government, having cut the number of ministries significantly during his first days in office.
Milei’s initiatives include dissolving Argentina’s federal revenue service (AFIP) to create a smaller, more efficient agency, as well as the passage of a substantial omnibus bill that effectually transformed various aspects of the Argentine state. His government has focused on cutting public expenditures and enhancing governmental efficiency, with the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Deregulation and State Transformation. The continued support from figures like Musk, who Milei claims is in talks to replicate their deregulation model, underscores his ambitions to position Argentina as a leader in economic reform on a global scale.
During his speech at the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services, Milei emphasized the international impact of his policies. He underscored that the model of “The Chainsaw” is not just a national agenda but a framework that can be shared with other countries seeking similar reforms. With accolades such as Federico Sturzenegger being recognized as the best Minister of Economy in the world, Milei portrays his administration’s efforts as pioneering and transformative, despite the challenges and criticisms they face locally.
Looking ahead, Milei’s itinerary will take him from the U.S. to France for a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, followed by participation in the G20 summit in Brazil on November 19-20, before he returns to Argentina for a visit from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. His representatives have also noted plans for Milei to attend Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, signalling a strengthening alliance post-election. With his commitments to economic reform and international diplomacy, Milei’s presidency is carving out a new path for Argentina on the global stage.