In his first official activity in the United States, Argentine President Javier Milei met with Elon Musk at a luxury hotel in Maryland. The meeting, which began at 3:15 PM (EST), focused on international geopolitics and potential American investments in Argentina. Notably, Milei gifted Musk a real chainsaw, symbolizing his state reorganization policies.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

• The meeting lasted nearly four hours, and images were shared through the X Presidential Office’s official account, showing Musk holding the symbolic chainsaw.
• Karina Milei (Secretary General of the Presidency), Luis Caputo (Economy Minister), Gerardo Werthein (Foreign Minister), and Manuel Adorni (Presidential Spokesperson) were present.
• The conversation was described as an “open agenda” between “two friends meeting in Washington”, emphasizing the informal yet strategic nature of their discussions.

Musk’s Influence and Symbolism of the Gift

• Elon Musk is known for his close relationship with Donald Trump, which amplifies the political significance of this meeting. A comment from Musk could influence decisions in the Oval Office, highlighting his strategic influence.
• The chainsaw gift symbolizes Milei’s economic deregulation and state restructuring policies, resonating with his campaign theme of “cutting bureaucracy.”

Meeting with Kristalina Georgieva (IMF)

Following the discussion with Musk, Milei will meet with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This marks their second meeting in 30 days to review Argentina’s economic negotiations with the IMF.

Key Points on the IMF Negotiations

• Milei seeks to avoid devaluation and negotiate an additional $11 billion disbursement to boost Central Bank reserves and lift financial restrictions.
• In contrast, the IMF, including Georgieva, advocates for a peso devaluation as a fundamental economic adjustment.
• The meeting is set for 7:00 PM (Argentina Time) at Georgieva’s office.

No Formal Meeting with Trump

• Donald Trump is currently at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, avoiding Washington’s winter cold, which canceled any formal meeting with Milei at the White House.
• However, Milei and Trump will meet at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 24, where Milei will deliver a speech before Trump’s keynote closing address.

CPAC and Geopolitical Alignment

• During his CPAC speech, Milei is expected to align his geopolitical views with Trump’s, focusing on a bilateral economic and financial agenda.
• The two leaders have shared a strong personal and ideological connection since they first met at CPAC in February 2024, building a strategic partnership.

Upcoming Events and Return to Argentina

• February 23: Milei will speak at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and meet with World Bank President Ajay Benga, who is scheduled to visit Argentina in late March.
• February 24 (Evening): Milei and his delegation will return to Buenos Aires, preparing for the opening of the Ordinary Sessions of Congress.