Washington [US], October 15 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei at the White House, where the two leaders discussed a USD 20 billion currency swap aimed at stabilising Argentina’s economy.
The agreement, finalised less than a week ago, involves the United States purchasing Argentine pesos in coordination with Argentina’s central bank to support the country’s financial markets.
Milei’s visit marked his first official trip to the Oval Office. He arrived for a working meeting at 1:30 p.m., where Trump greeted him with a handshake.
During the talks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration’s decision to extend major financial assistance to Buenos Aires, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in Argentina’s reform agenda and a strategic investment ahead of the nation’s midterm elections.
“We are not going to ignore our allies. We’re using our economic strength to create peace,” Bessent said. “It is much better to form an economic bridge with our allies, people who want to do the right thing, than have to shoot at narco-gun boats. So we think this is an opportunity for the Argentinian people, and we think President Milei is the one to do it.”
Trump also commented on China’s recent decision to buy soybeans from Argentina instead of the United States, suggesting it was an effort to weaken ties between Washington and Buenos Aires.
“China likes to draw wedges. I guess that’s natural, but it’s not going to mean anything in the end,” Trump said, adding that he would oppose Argentina engaging in any defence-related deals with Beijing.
The US President further indicated that continued American financial assistance would depend on Milei’s administration staying in power.
“You know, our approvals are somewhat subject to who wins the election,” Trump said. “Because if a socialist wins, you’d feel a lot differently about making an investment. I think, Scott, you’d feel that somebody that had no chance—in other words, somebody wins and has no chance of ever having a great economy because of that philosophy—you would put a halt to what we’re doing,” he told the Treasury Secretary.
Bessent later clarified that US support was “predicated on robust policies” advanced by Milei, and that any change in leadership or political direction would prompt a “US rethink.” (ANI)
About The Author
