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U.S. Treasury’s Bessent Backs Milei, Calls Argentina a Cornerstone of Latin America Strategy

In a new interview, he defended the pre‑election $20 billion swap as a profitable loan and cited recent repayments as proof of its effectiveness.

Overview

  • Bessent praised President Javier Milei’s evolution from thinker to high‑level political leader and highlighted his growing ties with provincial governors.
  • He said Argentina is now the central piece of Washington’s regional approach and suggested the political shift could spread to Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia and potentially Colombia.
  • Defending the October 2025 currency swap, Bessent stressed it was a loan rather than a gift, said the U.S. made money on the operation, and credited President Donald Trump’s leadership.
  • He noted Argentina has already repaid about $2.54 billion drawn from the facility, describing the repayment as quick and complete.
  • Bessent alleged actors linked to Kirchnerism tried to roil markets before the 2025 vote and said a major unnamed mining company is evaluating a $10–12 billion investment in Argentina.