Milei Joins Trump’s U.S. Summit Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

A Growing Alliance Between Milei and Trump

The alliance between Argentine President Javier Milei and former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to strengthen this weekend with a new meeting. Milei will travel to Miami on Friday, where he will join the following day’s summit of right-wing Latin American leaders organized by Trump. This event, known as the Shield of the Americas, highlights the increasing alignment of countries in the region with Trump’s policies, especially as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

Several key figures from Latin America are expected to attend this gathering. Alongside Milei, who is one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, other leaders such as Santiago Peña of Paraguay, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, and Nasry Asfura of Honduras will also be present. Additionally, José Antonio Kast, a Chilean politician, will attend the summit just four days before assuming the presidency in Chile.

Milei’s visit to the United States marks his second trip in less than a month. Earlier, he attended another event hosted by Trump—the inauguration of the Peace Council. Since taking office over two years ago, Milei has made 16 trips to the U.S., a number that stands in stark contrast to his limited visits to neighboring countries.

Strengthening Regional Security Alliances

On Thursday, ahead of his departure for Miami, Argentina joined a regional coalition against narcoterrorism during a hemispheric security meeting led by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The country was represented by Minister Carlos Presti, who emphasized the shared threats faced by Latin American nations, stating that “threats of a similar nature, though of varying intensity” necessitate stronger defense alliances.

This collaboration reflects Milei’s shift in foreign policy, which has brought Argentina closer to the United States. One area of particular interest for the U.S. is Ushuaia, Argentina’s gateway port to Antarctica. In 2024, the city welcomed then-U.S. Southern Command chief Laura Richardson, and in May 2025, her successor, Alvin Holsey. More recently, in January, a delegation of 23 people, including members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, arrived there aboard an Air Force plane.

Economic Ties and Strategic Cooperation

The growing bilateral relationship between Argentina and the U.S. extends beyond security to economic cooperation. In October of last year, the U.S. Treasury provided support to Milei on the eve of the midterm elections. More recently, the two countries signed a trade agreement, further solidifying their economic ties.

Following the summit, Milei will head to New York to open Argentina Week. This event brings together leaders from multinational companies, banks, and investment funds interested in doing business in Argentina. High-level participation from the Argentine government aims to attract foreign investment. Attendees include Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, Chief of Cabinet Manuel Adorni, and Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation Federico Sturzenegger.

Economic Challenges and Future Prospects

Argentina has experienced 15 years of economic stagnation, and Milei is seeking foreign capital to develop energy and mining projects. These sectors are crucial for transforming the country’s agro-industry-led productive structure and driving growth. Argentina possesses significant reserves of unconventional gas and oil in the Vaca Muerta formation in Patagonia, as well as copper and lithium—minerals essential for the energy transition.

To attract investment, the government has introduced a generous incentive scheme offering tax, currency, and customs benefits to multinational companies. However, investment has been slower to arrive than anticipated, and the current international context adds to the uncertainty.

Final Stop: Santiago, Chile

Milei’s international tour will conclude in Santiago, Chile, on March 11. He will attend the inauguration of José Antonio Kast as Chile’s new president. Milei already views Kast as a new ally in a region that is increasingly shifting to the right. This final stop underscores the broader trend of right-leaning leaders across Latin America aligning with each other and with the U.S. under Trump’s influence.