Argentina’s government, led by Javier Milei, will announce a new ambassador to the United States in the coming hours.
This appointment follows Donald Trump’s recent presidential election win, signalling a new diplomatic chapter for Argentina’s Washington embassy.
Among the top contenders are two key figures from Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party: a banker and an economist known for their loyalty to Milei’s libertarian agenda.
The list also includes a libertarian Peronist candidate and a representative from the PRO party, associated with former president Mauricio Macri.
Milei is carefully weighing various political and diplomatic scenarios to fill the vacancy left by Werthein, recently appointed Argentina’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Diana Mondino.
Following a meeting between Milei and Werthein on Sunday, and a phone call between Milei and Trump last night, a decision is expected soon.
Milei’s U.S. Visits and Diplomatic Preparations
Milei, who has travelled to the U.S. six times, is expected to return in the coming days for a meeting with Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, before Trump’s inauguration.
In January, he plans to be present at Trump’s inauguration in Washington, where Argentina’s new ambassador will likely be in place.
Leading the shortlist for the ambassadorship is Juan Nápoli, a banker who advised Milei on financial matters during his campaign.
Nápoli, who heads Banco de Valores and is involved with the Argentine Association of Private Banks (ADEBA), has been a key player in drawing foreign investors to Milei’s movement.
Last year, he met with over 80 U.S. banks and investment funds in Wall Street, promoting Milei’s proposed dollarization plan for Argentina.
Another La Libertad Avanza candidate is Demián Reidel, Milei’s chief advisor and a trusted ally who has close ties with business magnate Elon Musk.
Milei has previously suggested that he and Reidel might share a Nobel Prize in Economics if their policies succeed.
Following Trump’s victory, Reidel took to social media to encourage global investors, suggesting that now is the time to “buy Argentina” while prices are low.
PRO’s Candidate and Additional Contenders
Meanwhile, a new candidate has emerged from the PRO party: Alex Malcolm Campbell, a Buenos Aires senator aligned with Macri and Maria Eugenia Vidal.
Campbell also has ties with Carlos Trujillo, Trump’s former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS).
He recently met with Trump at a Republican fundraiser in Miami, strengthening his position as a viable candidate.
Another name in consideration is Daniel Scioli, Argentina’s current ambassador to Brazil and a former presidential candidate from the Peronist movement.
Scioli expressed his willingness to take on the U.S. ambassadorship if called upon by Milei, though sources indicate he is unlikely to be selected.
Milei’s Message to Trump
In a celebratory message, Milei publicly congratulated Trump on his “formidable victory” via social media, addressing him in English.
“We know we can count on you to make Argentina great again,” Milei wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He also offered Trump his “best wishes and blessings” and reaffirmed Argentina’s readiness to collaborate closely with the U.S.
