President Javier Milei on Thursday labelled Donald Trump's re-election the "greatest political comeback in history," during a gala hosted by the incoming US leader.
Milei, who has been praised by Trump for his sweeping government spending cuts, became the first foreign leader to meet the Republican leader since he swept to victory over Democrat Kamala Harris earlier this month.
"This has been the greatest political comeback in history, defying the entire political establishment, even at the risk of his own life," Milei said in a speech during an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
The La Libertad Avanza leader described Trump’s win as "a true miracle and proof that the forces of heaven are on our side.”
"Thanks to this, today the world is a much better world. Today the winds of freedom are blowing, blowing much stronger," he declared to applause from those gathered, whom Milei described as “true giants.”
Milei’s address, given in Spanish and translated live into English, was cut short by organisers when Trump entered the ballroom with Argentina’s leader cut off mid-speech and ushered offstage abruptly.
Hollywood actor Sly Stallone then took to the stage to introduce Trump.
Trump hosted the black-tie gala, organised by the America First Policy Institute, at his resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
Among those present was Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a crucial Trump ally who has been tapped up to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency under the new administration.
Milei posed for photos with the pair. He has recently courted Musk, seeking investment for Argentina.
Trump congratulated Milei after he was elected last November, predicting the Argentine leader would "turn your country around and truly make Argentina great again."
On Thursday, he again offered praise, telling Milei that the "job you've done is incredible."
"He's a MAGA person," he added.
Milei congratulated the US president-elect through messages on Instagram and X in the wake of the November 5 US election. "You know you can count on Argentina to make America great again," he wrote in one of them.
The duo later shared a 10-minute phone conversation.
Milei seemed to enjoy his trip to Mar-a-Lago, making several posts on his various social media accounts showing him alongside Trump, Musk and Stallone.
Some of the images he later shared had been altered.
Milei was accompanied at the event by Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and his sister, presidential chief-of-staff Karina Milei.
– TIMES/AFP/NA
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