In Washington, Milei reaffirms support for Bolsonaro, touts Argentina’s economic policies

Argentina's President Javier Milei reiterated his backing for Flávio Bolsonaro, the right-wing candidate in Brazil's upcoming run-off election, during a gala in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The gathering was attended by business leaders, investors, and individuals affiliated with the U.S. Republican Party. Milei praised Bolsonaro's performance and mocked Lula da Silva, the incumbent president, as a "communist dictator."

He also predicted a Bolsonaro victory in the second round and anticipated that the right would paint the "continent blue." Milei's brother Eduardo, who recently returned to the U.S., was present alongside him. Eduardo is currently serving an absentia sentence for allegedly attempting to influence the U.S. government during his father's 2022 political trial.

Milei defended his government's economic policies, particularly the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), and projected a 16% growth in Argentina's economy during his first term. He urged the audience to "make all of America great again," referencing both the United States and South America. This is not Milei's first public endorsement of Bolsonaro; in July, during a Liberal Party convention in São Paulo, he called Lula a "prisoner" and a "thief" and sparked diplomatic tensions leading to Brazil downgrading its diplomatic ties with Argentina.