Argentina - US Relations
The bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina is based on many shared interests, including non-proliferation; cooperation on transnational issues such as counternarcotics, counterterrorism, and human trafficking; issues of regional peace and stability, including shared support for multilateral peacekeeping operations; and commercial ties.
The US position on the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) according to the State Department Office of the Spokesperson, on June 13, 2012, "remains one of neutrality. The United States recognizes de facto U.K. administration of the islands, but takes no position regarding the sovereignty claims of either party. The U.S. Government supports U.K. and Argentine cooperation on practical matters and urges a peaceful resolution to the overall issue."
Following Donald Trump's return to the presidency in January 2025, his administration strengthened the U.S. relationship with Javier Milei's government in Argentina. The two leaders met in Washington in February 2025. President Trump and President Milei met in Washington at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The U.S. Embassy in Argentina reported that the leaders discussed Milei's economic reforms and closer bilateral ties. A White House gallery entry from that time also confirms the meeting.
Analysts have identified several ideological and political similarities between Javier Milei and Donald Trump, particularly their populist style, nationalist rhetoric, and stance on certain social and economic issues. Both leaders employ a populist political style and often use social media to bypass traditional media, criticize opponents, and rally their base. They have both positioned themselves as outsiders fighting against what they perceive as a corrupt political system.
Milei and Trump both publicly opposed "wokeism" and "gender ideology". Both administrations have taken steps to roll back gender and diversity initiatives. For example, after taking office in 2025, the Trump administration ended federal diversity and inclusion programs, while Milei's government in Argentina disbanded the Ministry for Women, Gender, and Diversities.
Both leaders expressed disdain for multilateral institutions associated with the liberal international order, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Milei has aligned with Trump in areas such as withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and signaling a potential withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. They also share skeptical views on issues related to climate change.
The Trump Administration announced 09 October 2025 it “stands ready to do what is needed” to bail out Argentina’s financial markets amidst the country’s economic turmoil, starting with a $20 billion swap line with Argentina’s central bank. Milei is a close political ally of Trump and faces a crucial midterm election on October 26. Milei, and the Trump Administration, are worried that the ongoing financial market turmoil will negatively impact the upcoming election and derail his radical libertarian economic agenda.
Trump’s administration insisted this program was not a bailout, US farmers and Democratic lawmakers criticised the deal as just that, saying it’s helping a country that benefitted from sales of soya beans to China, to the detriment of US farmers. A group of Democratic senators introduced the No Argentina Bailout Act, which would stop the Treasury Department from using its Exchange Stabilization Fund to assist Argentina. “It is inexplicable that President Trump is propping up a foreign government, while he shuts down our own,” Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a statement. “Trump promised ‘America First,’ but he’s putting himself and his billionaire buddies first and sticking Americans with the bill.”
“Donald Trump can’t even keep the government open, but he’s going to put $20 billion of U.S. taxpayer money at risk to bail out his personal friend President Milei of Argentina, a country that is working to undercut American soybean farmers amid Trump’s trade wars,” said Senator Kaine. “This legislation would stop the Trump Administration from using taxpayer dollars to help his political ally.”
“Trump refuses to negotiate to keep the government open or prevent a massive spike in health care costs for Americans, but he’s eager to shell out $20 billion of taxpayer money to bail out his authoritarian buddy in Argentina. All the while, Americans are stuck facing higher prices at the grocery store and higher premiums on their health insurance. We must put a stop to Trump’s brazen scheme to put himself and his cronies ahead of the needs of the American people,” said Senator Van Hollen.
Washington’s multibillion-dollar rescue of Argentina has unleashed backlash across the political spectrum – and the Western Hemisphere. In the US, Democratic and Republican lawmakers, farmers, ranchers and Trump supporters adamant about the president’s “America first” doctrine questioned the merits of showering money on a serial defaulter and rival agricultural exporter.
In Argentina, Trump’s warning that US assistance was contingent on Milei’s victory in the vote breathed new life into the opposition Peronist party, which urged Argentines long wary of US interventionism to punish Milei on Sunday. “Compatriots, Argentina is a country too great and dignified to depend on the whims of a foreign leader,” said former Peronist President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in a video message Thursday from her Buenos Aires apartment, where she’s serving out a six-year sentence for corruption.
Markets reeled as investors fretted that the US aid might not come at all. Consultants tried to parse Trump’s cryptic demand that Milei clinch a victory in the midterms. Does that mean Milei is increasing his party’s tiny congressional minority even a bit? Does that mean securing at least 35 percent of the vote – the share that experts agree Milei needs to defend his vetoes and push through key reforms?
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