Staff Reports
Javier Milei, Argentina’s newly inaugurated president, made quite the splash at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this past weekend. He told an electric crowd of U.S. conservatives that trimming government fat is the only path to a prosperous society, echoing the playbook authored by Donald Trump and his buddy Elon Musk. In a show-stopping moment, Musk even flashed a chainsaw on stage, a fitting symbol for the kind of reduction in government overreach that conservatives are rallying behind—just imagine Milei’s radical agenda in a country teetering on the edge of socialism.
During his speech, which was given in Spanish but resonated loudly with attendees, Milei reaffirmed his commitment to slashing government programs. He purposefully targeted the U.S. Agency for International Development, citing it as an example of bloated bureaucracy that does more harm than good. With a wink and a nudge, he clarified that actually reducing the size of government is an act of justice itself, which would have made for a perfect campaign slogan if it weren’t already too good.
Trump, who couldn’t resist the chance to hold the applause for his newly formed Argentinian ally, took the stage afterward and extended his praise. Nothing like a little international camaraderie based on shared conservative values, right? The two leaders seem to be operating from the same anti-establishment playbook, and one can only imagine the ideas that are being kicked around behind closed doors, especially with that chainsaw between them.
Milei’s chainsaw brandishing has a deeper meaning than just showmanship; it represents a serious commitment to chopping away at government excesses. The fact that Musk was gifted a chainsaw with Milei’s motto, “Viva la libertad, carajo,” a spirited declaration equivalent to “Long live liberty, damn it,” perfectly encapsulates the determination to liberate nations from the stranglehold of bureaucratic red tape. If only the U.S. government could be lopped off at the knees like Milei’s Argentine counterpart.
Argentina's President Javier Milei on Saturday urged an enthusiastic crowd of U.S. conservatives to keep supporting measures to shrink the size of their government, saying his methods are similar to those undertaken by President Donald Trump and close… https://t.co/rOxL1BPyCh
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) February 22, 2025
Meanwhile, across the pond, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni chimed in with her own messages of support for conservative alliances. She addressed perceived rifts and emphasized the importance of Europe’s bond with the U.S., flaunting her endorsement of Ukraine’s fight against what she termed “brutal aggression” from Russia—though this isn’t a universally popular viewpoint among conservatives. With so many leaders jockeying for position in the populist sphere, it’s clear that the conservative movement is more vibrant than ever, drawing fierce and diverse support from all corners of the world.
In short, Milei’s fiery speech at CPAC signifies a clear shift toward serious talk about the practical implications of conservative governance, much to the delight of the conservative base. The fun behind chainsaws and shouts for liberty will only continue to resonate as more leaders like Milei step onto the world stage, potentially leading a charge against rampant government and reclaiming sovereignty for the people. Who wouldn’t want to be on that riveting ride?
