Written by Dennis Schmois
This new physical relationship was reflected in the mutual trade and investment agreement signed by Argentina and the United States. This government-defined “historical awareness” brought Javier Millay even closer to Donald Trump.
Analyst Carlos Fara summed it up by saying, “The Millay administration is tying all its fortunes to the Trump administration, and the Trump administration is making a bet.” But the correction didn’t start on Thursday.
The level of American presence in the last election was unprecedented. Former ambassador Jorge Argüero said, “I have never seen in my life such political, economic, financial, and diplomatic involvement of the United States government in Argentina’s domestic electoral process.”
influence
Opinions are divided regarding the social impact. The truth is, with Trump’s clear support, Milley arrived at the polls stronger. Fara added: “The agreement with President Trump had a positive effect in the final stages of the campaign. It does not change the public image of President Trump in Argentina. Free trade agreements in Argentina have always been viewed with some resentment, especially after the experience of the 1990s.” But this historical suspicion coexists with other recent manifestations.
According to the Casa Torres report, President Trump’s positive image increased by 5 points from February to October, while his negative image decreased by 7 points. Zubán Córdoba also revealed that when measured from September 2024 to September 2025, positive images increased by 5 points, but at the same time he pointed out that negative images also increased by 5 points.
Millay’s visit
Millay’s 14 visits to the United States demonstrate the strength of collaboration. Interior Minister Diego Santilli quipped: “We have reached a historic agreement with the United States, where tariffs are reduced and more markets continue to grow. Ah, but Millay has traveled too much…” The president is likely to visit again in the coming weeks to sign the agreement and allow it to enter into force.
Mr. Millais has an advantage. All of his duties will run parallel to the Trump administration. But this obvious benefit coexists with reminders. Both leaders have shown that they can break alliances as quickly as they can be built.
wider package
The Chamber of Exporters of the Argentine Republic provided nuance. He recalled that the deal with Argentina was announced on the same day as other agreements with El Salvador, Ecuador and Guatemala, and that the US government presented them as “historic trade deals with partners in the Western Hemisphere”, in line with the “historic victories” that President Trump had shown after his tour of Asia. In other words, Argentina is part of a broader package, not a strategic exception. And although more is known today than before, the details of the agreement are still not fully revealed.
Note published on eleconomista.com.ar
About The Author
