Top US diplomat hails close alignment with Milei's Argentina

A senior US diplomat on Thursday hailed the close alignment between the Donald Trump administration and Argentina's government, as controversy continued over American statements appearing to link financial support to President Javier Milei's political future.

"There is no other country in the world with which we are as aligned as the government of Argentina," US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said, speaking in Spanish, during a press conference in Buenos Aires alongside Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.

Landau praised Milei's administration, saying Argentina had the resources to become an economic superpower and commending its efforts to attract foreign investment.

The remarks came two days after US ambassador to Argentina Peter Lamelas tied Washington's continued support to the country's political direction after 2027.

Milei is seeking re-election next year.

"We support this government – the Milei government – and the Argentine people, provided they move in the right direction: the direction of the right, not the left," Lamelas said at an energy forum in Neuquén, in southern Argentina.

He also referred to potential investment projects that could mobilise up to US$20 billion, without providing further details.

Asked about the controversy on Thursday, Quirno said Lamelas had repeatedly stated that his mission was to help Milei's government secure re-election next year.

The foreign minister rejected the suggestion that Washington's support came with political conditions, saying: "The only condition is that we continue doing what we are doing, that we stay on the path of growth, macroeconomic order and fiscal balance."

Landau, meanwhile, said Washington was pleased with the Milei government, which he praised for having "created the conditions for a new golden age for the country" and for "rolling out the red carpet for foreign investment."

Milei is one of Trump's closest allies in Latin America. The US president firmly backed the Argentine leader last year, when his government faced crucial legislative elections amid political and currency turmoil.

Washington provided Argentina with an unprecedented US$20-billion financial assistance facility in 2025, helping shore up the government ahead of the midterm vote, which Milei's party won. Trump's support, alongside a currency swap agreement with the US Treasury Department, contributed to the administration's electoral success.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in January that Argentina had fully repaid the emergency currency loan, which he said had generated tens of millions of dollars in profit for US taxpayers while helping stabilise a key regional ally.

During Landau's visit, Washington announced US$15 million in funding to help Argentina establish a National Cybersecurity Operations Center, according to a statement with the US Embassy.

Quirno also said the two governments were working towards a visit by US Vice-President JD Vance in November.

Negotiations are also progressing on Argentina's possible inclusion in the US visa waiver programme, which would allow its citizens to enter the United States without needing a visa.