Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(129,173 posts)
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 01:51 PM Monday

Trump set to bail out Argentina, irking some in 'America First' camp

President Donald Trump’s decision to give Argentina a $20 billion financial lifeline has stirred anger among some of his most loyal supporters and raised questions about the limits of his “America First” approach to the global economy.

The president’s customary allergy to using taxpayer money to help other nations makes the Argentine rescue especially noteworthy. Since taking office in January, Trump has slashed U.S. foreign aid programs, slow-walked military assistance for Ukraine and demanded that close allies like South Korea and Japan pay for a greater share of their defense.

But the administration last week showed no hesitation about saving Argentina from its latest economic misfortune. It’s not that the Latin American nation is vital to the global economy. Though it was among the world’s richest countries in the early 20th century, today its annual output is roughly equal to Michigan’s.

The U.S. intervention stems from a blend of political and economic considerations. Trump is a fan of Argentine President Javier Milei, a libertarian whose attacks on government spending and red tape have made him a folk hero to the American right. This month, however, Milei’s party was trounced in provincial elections in Buenos Aires, raising doubts about his ability to retain a legislative majority in Oct. 26 midterm elections. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Milei needs “a bridge to the election” so that he can win a renewed mandate for reform.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-set-to-bail-out-argentina-irking-some-in-america-first-camp/ar-AA1NsmtA

I'd venture a guess the vast majority of Americans who are aware of this are irked by it.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Prairie Gates

(6,367 posts)
2. Why are they in economic trouble in the first place? Don't they have a genius MAGA economist in charge?
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 01:57 PM
Monday

underpants

(193,279 posts)
5. Yes. He has lowered inflation from 289% to 34%
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 02:05 PM
Monday

He cut 50,000 government jobs


Currency is the root of Argentina’s problems. The overvalued peso, which has lifted Argentines’ living standards, has hurt exports and led to a wider trade deficit. That has worked against efforts to rebuild foreign currency reserves, leaving the government short of the dollars it needs to service its $250 billion foreign debt.

Milei squandered a significant amount of dollar reserves to buy pesos in the open market in an effort to sustain the currency’s value, fearing a decline would fuel the inflation that he is trying to eradicate.

Prairie Gates

(6,367 posts)
6. Sounds like his miraculous inflation reduction was a temporary illusion, in that case
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 02:07 PM
Monday

Like all libertarian economics, it sounds good in relation to its own internal system of claims, but is a catastrophe in real world conditions.

Johonny

(24,791 posts)
8. Argentina sell the crops to China
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 03:52 PM
Monday

That the US farmers used to, but Trump bailing both sides out because . . . Who the fuck knows?

GoCubsGo

(34,393 posts)
4. They should be more than "irked," as should the rest of us.
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 02:02 PM
Monday

He wants to bail out Argentina to the tune of tens of billions, while cutting healthcare and other services from American citizens? We should all be fucking enraged.

underpants

(193,279 posts)
7. No kidding. Bessent publicly stating that we're buying the election for him.
Mon Sep 29, 2025, 02:09 PM
Monday

Milei is an icon for MAGA. Trump is going to create massive homelessness and even worse healthcare.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Trump set to bail out Arg...