Milei congratulates Trump for 'formidable election victory' over Harris

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has become one of the first world leaders to congratulate Donald Trump after US media said the Republican leader had completed a stunning political comeback and won Tuesday’s election.

World leaders rushed to congratulate Trump after he stormed to victory in Tuesday's election, capping one of the most tumultuous campaigns in modern political history to defeat his Democratic challenger Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Milei was among the first to send his wishes, joining other heads of state in Israel, El Salvador, Italy and the United Kingdom. 

“Congratulations on your formidable electoral victory,” wrote Milei in a post on the X social network addressed to the US president-elect.

“Now, Make America Great Again. You know that you can count on Argentina to carry out your task,” added the La Libertad Avanza leader, who closed his message offering “success and blessings” and “best regards.”

Trump’s win marks a stunning comeback. The Republican left the White House in disgrace four years ago after a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol in a bid to overturn his election loss to US President Joe Biden. 

But voters bruised by the biggest surge of inflation in four decades rejected Harris, who stepped in at the 11th hour with her bid to become the nation’s first female leader.

Reports on Wednesday said Milei is considering a trip to the United States to congratulate Trump in person.

On more than one occasion, Milei himself has made it clear that his government's alignment is with the White House, regardless of who takes office.

But behind the cordial statements lies the hope that a Republican victory would simplify negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Though the US election takes place on November 5, the new POTUS is not inaugurated until the following January 20.

Milei is thought to be keen to attend Trump’s inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington.

– TIMES/NA