Argentina’s President Javier Milei is expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to the United States on Wednesday, according to Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein.
Milei’s trip comes as Argentina seeks a $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its central bank reserves. The two leaders are set to receive awards for their “conservative values” at a ceremony at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Werthein told local news channel LN+ on Tuesday.
“We have nothing formally scheduled, but there will surely be a meeting,” Werthein said, adding that the IMF loan would be a key topic in Argentina’s discussions with the United States.
Milei, a libertarian who has aligned himself with Trump’s political ideology, has implemented deep austerity measures since taking office in December 2023. While his policies have helped slow inflation, they have not yet spurred consumer spending.
Argentina’s pursuit of a new $20 billion IMF loan, on top of the $44 billion it already owes the institution, has sparked fears of a potential currency devaluation, leading to pressure on the peso. However, Milei has dismissed speculation of such a move.
Werthein confirmed that Milei would travel to the United States on Wednesday but did not disclose the date of the award ceremony.
