Argentina’s President Javier Milei is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump in the United States this week, seeking to balance economic ties with China while strengthening alliances with Washington. The visit comes as Trump aims to counter Beijing’s growing influence in Latin America.
Milei departed Wednesday for his 14th trip to the U.S., where he will participate in the inaugural session of Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, according to The Independent. He is too expected to attend a regional summit in Miami on March 7 with other Latin American leaders aligned with the White House’s political agenda.
Despite frequently criticizing China on the campaign trail, Milei’s administration has seen a surge in trade with the country. China became Argentina’s top trading partner last December, surpassing Brazil, with Argentine exports to China increasing by 125% year-on-year and imports by 26%, reports indicate. Experts suggest Milei cannot afford to sever economic ties with China, which remains a crucial market for Argentina’s energy, food, and mineral exports.
“Argentina relies on China’s insatiable demand for South America’s energy, food and minerals, and the United States will never replace that market,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin American program at the Wilson Center. The situation presents a complex diplomatic challenge for Milei as he attempts to reshape Argentine foreign policy.
The upcoming meetings with Trump follow a recent gala at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida estate, where Milei was invited but did not attend. Sources say that the price to sit at Milei’s table at the event reportedly increased from $20,000 to $100,000 as the date approached, only to fall back down when his attendance became uncertain.
Despite Milei’s absence, several Argentinians were present at the gala, including Buenos Aires lawmaker Agustín Romo and media entrepreneur Fernando Cerimedo, who received an award as political consultant of the year from Latino Wall Street. Businessmen José Luis Manzano and Darío Epstein, who previously advised Milei, also attended. This highlights the growing network of Argentinian figures engaging with Trump’s circle.
Milei’s travel schedule includes a “high-level” meeting with Trump and other U.S.-aligned leaders on March 7, and “Argentina Week” in New York City from March 9-12. The series of engagements underscores the importance Milei places on strengthening ties with the U.S.
In separate news, José Luis Espert, a politician with close ties to businessman Fred Machado, who is accused of drug trafficking, is scheduled to appear before a mediator on March 3. The scandal led Espert to step down from his candidacy for national deputy in Buenos Aires.
Espert is facing a legal challenge from Alberto Asseff, a former national deputy, regarding claims made in Espert’s book, “No va más.” Asseff alleges that Espert lied about his brief association with UNIR in 2019 and seeks damages.
Meanwhile, two governors aligned with the Kirchnerist movement, Ricardo Quintela of La Rioja and Elías Suárez of Santiago del Estero, announced increased financial aid for the children of state employees as schools reopened. Quintela announced a payment of $200,000 per child, a 70% increase from 2025, while Suárez announced $280,000 per child, in addition to a previous “pre-start of classes” bonus. The moves are seen as attempts to bolster support among voters and increase public spending.
Former President Mauricio Macri was recently spotted at the Argentina Open tennis tournament in Palermo, where he reportedly received a positive reception from fans. Macri, an avid tennis player, was seen engaging with spectators and discussing his passion for bridge.
Macri has also endorsed the continued leadership of Cristian Ritondo and Soledad Martínez within the PRO party in Buenos Aires, with an official announcement expected Saturday. He reportedly no longer anticipates recognition from President Milei, suggesting a divergence in political paths.
Diego Valenzuela, the former mayor of Tres de Febrero, is awaiting formal appointment to the government as head of the new Agency for Migration Security within the Ministry of Interior, led by Alejandra Monteoliva. Valenzuela has been working on the agency’s creation since December, and officials suggest the process is progressing despite the government’s other priorities.
Valenzuela, who also holds a Senate seat, submitted his resignation from that position pending his appointment. The agency’s structure has been finalized and is expected to be established via a decree signed by President Milei and his ministers.
