Argentine President Javier Milei is set to depart for Washington DC tonight with a small delegation that includes his sister and Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, Economy Minister Luis Caputo, and Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni. The Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein, will join them in the U.S.

His agenda includes meetings with entrepreneur Elon Musk, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where U.S. President Donald Trump will also be present.

Key Meetings and Schedule

Thursday, February 22

• 8:00 AM (Local Time, Washington DC) – Arrival in Washington.
• 5:15 PM – Meeting with Elon Musk, now Administrator of the White House’s Department of Efficiency.
• 7:00 PM – Meeting with Kristalina Georgieva at the International Monetary Fund headquarters.

Friday, February 23

• 1:00 PM – Speech on “The Argentine Economic Model” at the Inter-American Development Bank.
• 3:00 PM – Meeting with World Bank President, Ajay Benga.

Saturday, February 24

• 1:00 PM – Speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), sharing the stage with Donald Trump.

Departure:

• 10:00 PM – Return flight to Buenos Aires, arriving on Sunday at 8:20 AM.

Uncertain Meeting with Trump

Although speculation surrounds a potential one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump, it has not been officially confirmed by either the Argentine government or the U.S. administration. If it happens, it is likely to occur at CPAC or shortly after.

The CPAC event is expected to gather prominent conservative leaders, including:

• U.S. Vice President JD Vance
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• FBI Director Kash Patel
• Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni
• Spanish Vox Leader Santiago Abascal
• Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro
• French National Rally President Jordan Bardella

Implications in Argentina: Villarruel Takes Over Temporarily

While Milei is abroad, Vice President Victoria Villarruel will assume the presidency on an interim basis. However, she will not preside over Senate sessions, which include crucial debates on the suspension of primary elections (PASO) and the nomination of Ariel Lijo for the Supreme Court.

Context and Expectations

This visit marks Milei’s second U.S. trip in less than a month, following his attendance at Donald Trump’s inauguration. It is seen as an opportunity to strengthen international alliances and secure economic support.

The meeting with Elon Musk could open doors for technological investments in Argentina, while the IMF negotiations are expected to finalize a new financial agreement. Additionally, his CPAC speech aims to solidify his image as a global advocate for economic deregulation and conservative policies.

Stay tuned for further updates on Milei’s U.S. tour and its potential impact on Argentina’s political and economic landscape.