Argentina's election outcome has left many wondering if it reflects genuine support for President Javier Milei or was driven by economic blackmail from US President Donald Trump.
Milei, who ran under the slogan "A colony of the US" – referencing Trump's alleged interference in Argentina's election – won the midterms by a significant margin: about 41% to 32%. This result has been described as the lowest point of his nearly two-year presidency, marked by an economic downturn and corruption allegations.
Despite this, Milei emerged victorious, thanks largely to a $40 billion bailout from Trump, which was conditional on his win. The US president's announcement before the vote had warned that if Milei didn't succeed, he would withdraw support.
While some see the result as a genuine endorsement of Milei's policies, others believe it was driven by economic pressure. "I know that the US bailout will bring some stability," said Agustin Cantilo, a 30-year-old broker who voted for Milei's party twice, "but I also know that if the US has to let go of your hand at some point, it will."
Others are more critical of Milei and his administration. Hernán Letcher, director of the Centre for Argentine Political Economy (CEPA), described the result as a surprise, given the economic indicators had not shown any positive performance.
"For many people, a cheap dollar wins elections," he said, adding that this factor contributed to Milei's victory.
But what really mattered was stability – and Milei promised that. "A large part of society has a very stigmatised view of Peronism," Letcher explained. According to sociologist Juan Gabriel Tokatlian, Milei's campaign successfully spread the idea that if he didn't win, the economy would collapse.
This fear-driven approach worked for some – but not all. Aquiles Ferrario, an 82-year-old bookshop owner who voted for Peronism, was surprised and concerned by the result. "What worries me is the future of our children, grandchildren and their successors," he said. "They might end up living openly in a colony of the US."
It's clear that Trump's influence on Argentina's election has been significant – but at what cost?
Milei, who ran under the slogan "A colony of the US" – referencing Trump's alleged interference in Argentina's election – won the midterms by a significant margin: about 41% to 32%. This result has been described as the lowest point of his nearly two-year presidency, marked by an economic downturn and corruption allegations.
Despite this, Milei emerged victorious, thanks largely to a $40 billion bailout from Trump, which was conditional on his win. The US president's announcement before the vote had warned that if Milei didn't succeed, he would withdraw support.
While some see the result as a genuine endorsement of Milei's policies, others believe it was driven by economic pressure. "I know that the US bailout will bring some stability," said Agustin Cantilo, a 30-year-old broker who voted for Milei's party twice, "but I also know that if the US has to let go of your hand at some point, it will."
Others are more critical of Milei and his administration. Hernán Letcher, director of the Centre for Argentine Political Economy (CEPA), described the result as a surprise, given the economic indicators had not shown any positive performance.
"For many people, a cheap dollar wins elections," he said, adding that this factor contributed to Milei's victory.
But what really mattered was stability – and Milei promised that. "A large part of society has a very stigmatised view of Peronism," Letcher explained. According to sociologist Juan Gabriel Tokatlian, Milei's campaign successfully spread the idea that if he didn't win, the economy would collapse.
This fear-driven approach worked for some – but not all. Aquiles Ferrario, an 82-year-old bookshop owner who voted for Peronism, was surprised and concerned by the result. "What worries me is the future of our children, grandchildren and their successors," he said. "They might end up living openly in a colony of the US."
It's clear that Trump's influence on Argentina's election has been significant – but at what cost?
... Milei won big time, but was it really because people liked him or just 'cause they didn't want the economy to tank 
? $40 billion from Trump could definitely sway some votes 
. What's even crazier is that Trump basically promised to pull the plug if Milei lost 
. It's like he was holding Argentina hostage 
. I mean, I get that a bailout can bring stability, but come on... it feels like Argentina sold out 
. And honestly, it's kinda scary to think about what'll happen when Trump loses the next election or just pulls his support 
.
. I think it's safe to say that economic pressure played a huge role in the outcome of the election 
. It seems like many voters were more concerned with stability than with Milei's policies 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a stable economy? 
But at what cost? 
The idea of living in a "colony" of the US is a pretty scary thought 
. I'm just hoping that Argentina can find a way to maintain its independence and sovereignty 
. Fingers crossed for the future 
!
At least they have stability now... but is that truly what they wanted? 
.
.
... I mean, I get it, $40 billion is a lot of sweet cash 
. But 41% to 32% feels kinda one-sided to me 