Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are cheering on the election of conservative firebrand Javier Milei as the new President of Argentina. The country’s electoral authority has confirmed that Milei scored a resounding victory, winning 55.7% of the votes cast, the widest margin of victory in a presidential race since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983.
Mr. Milei’s win has sent shockwaves through the traditional political establishment in Buenos Aires, as he brings with him a promise to shake up the status quo and tackle the country’s surging inflation, economic stagnation, and rising social problems. His victory has drawn comparisons to the populist appeal of former President Trump, with both politicians emphasizing a similar tough stance on government downsizing, currency reforms, and anti-communist rhetoric.
In response to Mr. Milei’s win, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to congratulate the new Argentine leader, expressing confidence that Milei will “Make Argentina Great Again.” Likewise, Senator Mike Lee of Utah hailed Milei’s victory as an “existential threat” to progressives, emphasizing the potential for a significant shift in government size and policies.
Mr. Milei’s victory has sparked concern in some quarters, particularly with regards to Argentina’s relations with China. The new President has promised to freeze relations with China if elected, a move that could disrupt the economic and military ties between the two nations. China has responded cautiously to the news, expressing a willingness to work with Argentina while acknowledging potential challenges in bilateral relations.
In the United States, the Biden administration has taken a measured approach to Milei’s election, emphasizing the importance of working with the new government on shared priorities such as human rights, democracy, climate change, and middle-class investments. However, there is growing concern in U.S. national security circles over China’s increasing influence and investments in critical infrastructure in Argentina and other Latin American nations.
Many American conservatives have hailed Mr. Milei’s victory as a triumph of freedom and a rejection of socialist policies. Republicans in Congress have lauded the election as a crucial victory for conservative principles and a significant blow to the long-dominant authoritarian political movement in Argentina. They have pledged to support and work with the new Argentine government, signaling a potential shift in U.S.-Argentine relations under Milei’s leadership.
