Trump meets Milei/ Mar-a-Lago meeting/ Trump Argentina relations/ Milei populism/ America First gala/ Newslooks/ PALM BEACH/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump hosted Argentine President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago, marking his first meeting with a foreign leader since his election victory. The two leaders shared mutual praise, emphasizing their shared populist ideologies and focus on economic reform. Milei also addressed a gala at Trump’s club, denouncing leftist policies and promoting freedom.
Trump Meets Milei: Quick Looks
- First Diplomatic Meeting: Trump hosted Argentine President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago.
- Shared Ideologies: Both leaders criticized left-wing policies and emphasized economic reform.
- Gala Address: Milei spoke at the America First Policy Institute gala, praising Trump and Elon Musk.
- Past Connections: Milei met Trump earlier at CPAC, expressing admiration for his leadership.
- Populist Campaign: Milei’s eccentric style and chainsaw prop symbolize his anti-establishment agenda.
Trump Meets Argentina’s President Milei: 1st Leader Visit Post-Election
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday underscored the deepening ties between the two populist leaders. The meeting, Trump’s first with a foreign leader since his election victory, reflected shared ideologies centered on anti-establishment rhetoric and economic reform.
Strengthening a Populist Alliance
Milei, a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist,” has openly admired Trump’s leadership, modeling his own rise to power on Trump’s brand of populism. Their meeting at Trump’s private Florida club highlighted their shared disdain for left-wing ideologies and a mutual commitment to economic freedoms.
At the America First Policy Institute gala following their meeting, Trump lauded Milei’s efforts to reform Argentina’s economy, saying:
“The job you’ve done is incredible. Make Argentina Great Again—he’s a MAGA person.”
Milei echoed the sentiment, congratulating Trump on his election victory and describing it as evidence of a global shift toward freedom.
“Today, the winds of freedom are blowing much stronger,” Milei declared, calling Trump’s win “proof positive that the forces of heaven are on our side.”
Milei’s Vision for Argentina
Known for his theatrical style and chainsaw-wielding campaign symbolizing budget cuts, Milei has pledged to overhaul Argentina’s struggling economy. His plans include slashing public spending and reducing government ministries, a vision that aligns with Trump’s deregulatory approach.
At the gala, Milei spoke in both English and Spanish, denouncing left-wing tax policies and praising Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, as a force for “saving humanity.” His speech was met with applause from the crowd of conservative influencers and investors.
Past Encounters
This wasn’t the first meeting between Trump and Milei. The two leaders first connected at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February, where Milei enthusiastically greeted Trump, calling him “president” and embracing him. Since then, Milei has maintained his admiration, often citing Trump as an inspiration for his political movement.
Political Implications
Milei’s visit to the U.S. and his alignment with Trump signal potential shifts in U.S.-Argentina relations. With Milei advocating for free-market policies and Trump emphasizing a focus on trade and regional cooperation, their partnership could redefine the relationship between the two nations.
Milei’s praise for Trump and Musk, coupled with his attacks on leftist policies, resonate with the America First agenda, making him a valuable ally in Latin America as Trump prepares to take office.
A Shared Approach to Leadership
Both leaders have built their careers on anti-establishment rhetoric, targeting entrenched political systems and promoting free-market solutions. Trump’s endorsement of Milei’s agenda reflects their shared vision for combating bureaucracy and fostering economic freedom.
