President-elect Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei shared a warm phone call Tuesday, with Trump declaring Milei his "favorite president"—a telling moment ahead of Milei’s visit to CPAC and a potential meeting that signals deepening ties between the two right-wing leaders.
American President-elect Donald Trump engaged in a brief but reportedly friendly phone call with Argentine President Javier Milei on Tuesday. According to Milei’s top spokesman, Trump referred to the libertarian leader as his “favorite president.” The conversation took place just before Milei’s departure from Buenos Aires to Florida to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where a meeting with Trump is anticipated.
Trump’s November 5 victory, in which he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, marks a rare second, non-consecutive presidential term. The two leaders have publicly endorsed each other’s policies over the past year, even meeting at February’s CPAC.
Milei, who became president of Argentina in December 2023 by defeating socialist Sergio Massa, is known for his economic expertise and media presence. Representing the Liberty Advances party, Milei’s presidency has already seen significant deregulation and economic reforms. His spokesman Manuel Adorni confirmed Wednesday’s call, with Trump stating, “you are my favorite president.” Milei later shared a celebratory meme with the Liberty Advances slogan, “long live liberty, damn it!”
While details of the conversation remain confidential, Milei’s Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein described it as “a good meeting between two people who admire each other.”
Milei was among the first to congratulate Trump’s return to the White House, expressing Argentina’s support for his mission to “Make America Great Again.” The Argentine leader also shared a playful AI-generated image of Trump embracing a lion, the Liberty Advances mascot.
The two first met in person at February’s CPAC, with Trump crediting Milei for adopting his policy approach. Milei’s policies focus on libertarian economic reforms to combat Argentina’s inflation and poverty. His measures, including the removal of rent controls and foreign investment restrictions, have helped improve Argentina’s economic outlook, creating a $16 billion trade surplus since his term began.
Milei’s foreign policy shift has strengthened Argentina’s ties with the U.S. and Israel while distancing itself from China and Iran. His decision to replace Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, following Argentina’s vote against U.S. human rights sanctions on Cuba, underscores his stance.
Milei’s prominence on the global right continues to grow, with upcoming bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and participation in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
.png)