Javier Milei and Donald Trump held a high-profile meeting at the White House on Tuesday, amid Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis and less than two weeks before the October 26 legislative elections. With gestures and statements loaded with political symbolism, the U.S. president offered open support to his Argentine counterpart.

“It’s a great honor to have the leader of Argentina here… he’s MAGA to the end, he’s ‘Make Argentina Great Again,’” Trump said during the official lunch, referencing his own political slogan. “We’re here to give you support for the upcoming elections,” he added, making clear his alignment with Milei on the international stage.

A message of support at a key moment

The official reception began after 1:30 p.m. (local time) with military honors and a handshake in front of the press. “Delighted to have you here,” Trump said as he welcomed Milei. Later, during the lunch with senior officials, he reiterated that Argentina “is on the verge of tremendous economic success” and praised the Argentine president as “a great economist.”

The bilateral meeting centered on three main areas: political and financial support, bilateral trade, and the international geopolitical situation—particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

Trump emphasized that if Argentina “does well,” other countries will follow its economic path. He also noted that any agreements reached would be “subject to who wins the elections,” highlighting the importance of the electoral outcome for ongoing negotiations.

Economic alliances and investment promises

One of the most significant moments came when Milei thanked U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for his role in the financial support package. “Thanks to the enormous work Bessent has done, we’ve been able to overcome a liquidity problem caused by political attacks from our opposition. This allows us to move forward confidently and do what the good people of Argentina need,” Milei said.

Trump, for his part, praised Argentina’s economic reforms and publicly backed Milei’s agenda. “We want to see a successful Argentina, and I believe his leadership can achieve that. He’s on the right path,” he stated.

Argentina’s Economy Minister Luis Caputo, along with other officials such as Patricia Bullrich, Gerardo Werthein, and Karina Milei, joined the presidential delegation. Meanwhile, the Argentine government maintains high expectations for a potential trade agreement with the U.S. that could include tariff reductions for Argentine products.

Political alignment and the international stage

Milei also expressed his gratitude for Trump’s role in the Middle East peace process. “I feel deeply honored, especially at this moment, when thanks to your leadership, peace has been achieved and hostages have returned alive,” the Argentine president said.

The trip comes after Washington deployed key financial assistance to ease pressure on Argentina’s foreign exchange market. Following the meeting, Milei is scheduled to attend a ceremony where Trump will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Before returning to Buenos Aires, Milei made it clear that his administration aims to deepen its bilateral relationship with the U.S.—not only economically, but also politically and strategically.