Trump Warns U.S. Will Withdraw Support If Argentina’s Milei Loses

President Donald Trump stated that the United States “won’t waste” time engaging with Argentina if President Javier Milei loses the upcoming elections. This comment came during a meeting at the White House, where Milei secured a significant $20 billion currency swap aimed at alleviating Argentina’s pressing debt issues.

As Argentina prepares for midterm elections for its legislative body later this month, President Trump expressed confidence in Milei’s chances. He remarked that Milei’s poll numbers are “pretty good” but suggested they could improve following the recent financial agreement. “Our approvals are somewhat subject to who wins the election,” Trump said, implying that support would wane if Milei were to lose.

Trump specifically referenced the political climate in Argentina, noting that Milei’s potential opponent represents a “philosophy that got Argentina into this problem in the first place.” He emphasized that a loss for Milei would lead to diminished U.S. support. “If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina,” Trump stated, adding that if Milei wins, the U.S. would be “very helpful.”

The $20 billion deal, perceived by many as a bailout for Argentina, has drawn criticism from various political figures in the United States. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts condemned Trump’s actions, stating, “It is inexplicable that President Trump is propping up a foreign government, while he shuts down our own.” She accused Trump of prioritizing his interests and those of wealthy associates over American citizens.

Similarly, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, also a Democrat, criticized the agreement. She pointed out the contrast between providing aid to Argentina and the urgent need for bipartisan solutions to prevent rising health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. “That’s not America First — it’s President Trump putting his political allies first even as Americans struggle to make ends meet,” Shaheen remarked.

Critics have described Trump’s financial assistance as a bailout. Monica de Bolle, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, stated, “It’s a country in crisis, it’s running out of dollars, and the U.S. is giving the country dollars. That’s a bailout by definition.” Her comments highlight the concerns regarding the implications of U.S. financial support for foreign countries while domestic issues remain unresolved.

As Argentina faces significant economic challenges, the upcoming elections will not only determine the nation’s leadership but also the future of U.S.-Argentina relations. The electoral outcome will likely have lasting effects on both countries, as Trump’s administration appears to be closely monitoring the situation.