Trump says US will not 'waste our time' helping Argentina if Milei loses

October 14, 2025

President Donald Trump has explicitly tied a $20 billion U.S. currency swap meant to stabilize Argentina's economy to the electoral success of Argentine President Javier Milei's party in upcoming legislative elections on October 26. During a White House meeting, Trump warned that U.S. support would be withdrawn if Milei's libertarian coalition doesn't prevail, stating "we are not going to be generous with Argentina" if he loses. Milei, who has implemented controversial austerity measures since taking office in December 2023, blamed Argentina's economic problems on political opponents.

Who is affected

Argentine citizens and voters
Argentina's economy and financial markets
Argentine pensioners and recipients of education, health, infrastructure, and transport subsidies
Investors concerned about Argentina's debt obligations
Milei's La Libertad Avanza coalition
Argentina's opposition parties

What action is being taken

The U.S. is providing a $20 billion currency swap to help stabilize Argentina's economy
President Trump is publicly conditioning U.S. financial support on Milei's electoral success
Milei is implementing austerity measures and free-market economic reforms
Milei is attempting to prevent peso devaluation by using the country's reserves
Argentina is preparing for national midterm elections on October 26

Why it matters

The currency swap is intended to prevent a potential Argentine default on $20 billion of debt due next year
Milei's ability to pass further economic reforms depends on his party's performance in the midterm elections
Trump's explicit linking of financial aid to electoral outcomes represents unusual interference in another country's democratic process
Argentina's financial stability affects investor confidence and market reactions
The success or failure of Milei's economic program impacts social services through cuts to pensions, education, health, and infrastructure

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC