We're Not Wrong About Argentina and George Santos
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Oct 30, 2025 The hosts dive into Javier Milei's surprising electoral success in Argentina, questioning the trust in his austerity measures. They explore how external influences and U.S. support may have shaped his victory. The conversation shifts to George Santos, sparking debate over the justice of his commutation after a fraud conviction. Was it political favoritism? The potential consequences of his early release are examined, touching on restitution and media prospects. All this paired with listener feedback and a touch of humor makes for a lively discussion!
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Milei's Midterm Win Is Significant But Incomplete
- Javier Milei's coalition won ~41% in Argentina's midterms, signaling strong support for austerity and market reforms.
- The win isn't a full mandate because his party still lacks an outright majority and must coalition-build to pass reforms.
U.S. Support Shaped Argentina's Election Dynamics
- U.S. financial support (currency swap and pledges) likely helped stabilize the peso before Argentina's vote.
- Jen Briney doubts whether the victory reflects pure faith in Milei or the effect of external bailouts and political meddling.
Policy Tools Used To Anchor Argentina To U.S. Interests
- The Trump administration redirected pre-existing development funds and executed a $20B currency swap to support Argentina.
- These moves aimed to keep Argentina aligned with U.S. interests and away from rival blocs like BRICS/China.
