The feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk centers on their sharply contrasting views of Argentina’s political and economic direction, which has become a battleground for right-wing ideologies. Both figures have projected their visions onto Argentina, but their interpretations—and their alliances—have diverged, leading to a public and ideological split.
Musk, Milei, and Libertarianism
• Elon Musk has aligned himself closely with Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, who took office in 2022.
• Musk has publicly praised Milei’s aggressive austerity measures, which include slashing public spending and deregulating the economy, seeing them as bold moves to revive Argentina.
• Musk and Milei have appeared together at conservative events, promoting a version of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement rebranded as “Making Argentina Great Again”.
• Musk hoped Trump would emulate Milei’s radical, state-dismantling approach in the U.S., but became disillusioned when Trump instead favored protectionist and interventionist policies reminiscent of Argentina’s historical Perónism.
Trump, Perónism, and Economic Nationalism
• Trump’s policies, especially his support for tariffs and deficit spending, have drawn comparisons to Juan Perón, Argentina’s 20th-century populist leader known for economic nationalism, trade barriers, and expansive government intervention.
• Critics, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and JPMorgan Chase, have warned that Trump’s approach risks repeating Argentina’s economic mistakes: protectionism, inflation, and political instability.
• Trump’s proposed domestic policies include tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, echoing traditional Republican orthodoxy rather than Milei’s radical reforms.
Populism: Trumpism vs. Perónism
• Both Trumpism and Perónism share traits such as authoritarian tendencies, anti-elite rhetoric, and appeals to the working class.
• However, experts note that Perónism is more focused on workers’ rights and social inclusion, while Trumpism is driven by cultural grievances and lacks a coherent economic vision.
• Trump’s personal affinity for Perónism is also reflected in his admiration for the musical “Evita” and his occasional use of balcony photo-ops reminiscent of Eva Perón.
Milei’s Economic Shock Therapy and Outcomes
• Since taking office, Milei has implemented drastic measures: cutting subsidies, deregulating markets, and purging Peronist symbols, all in an attempt to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy.
• Despite these efforts, foreign investment remains low, and the cost of living has soared, making Argentina the most expensive country in Latin America.
• While inflation has slowed and the budget is more balanced, everyday Argentines face higher prices and declining living standards, leading to protests and strikes.
Implications and Broader Context
• The Trump-Musk split puts Milei in a difficult position, as his pro-business reforms have yet to yield significant foreign investment or widespread prosperity.
• The article suggests that while Perónism was rejected in Argentina’s last election, its economic model is finding new life in the U.S. through Trump’s policies—a development experts warn has historically led to instability and lower growth.
Key Takeaway
The Trump-Musk feud is less about personal animosity and more about clashing visions for economic development, with Argentina serving as a cautionary tale and ideological test case for both men’s ambitions and philosophies.
qz.com
Musk, Milei, and Libertarianism
• Elon Musk has aligned himself closely with Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, who took office in 2022.
• Musk has publicly praised Milei’s aggressive austerity measures, which include slashing public spending and deregulating the economy, seeing them as bold moves to revive Argentina.
• Musk and Milei have appeared together at conservative events, promoting a version of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement rebranded as “Making Argentina Great Again”.
• Musk hoped Trump would emulate Milei’s radical, state-dismantling approach in the U.S., but became disillusioned when Trump instead favored protectionist and interventionist policies reminiscent of Argentina’s historical Perónism.
Trump, Perónism, and Economic Nationalism
• Trump’s policies, especially his support for tariffs and deficit spending, have drawn comparisons to Juan Perón, Argentina’s 20th-century populist leader known for economic nationalism, trade barriers, and expansive government intervention.
• Critics, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and JPMorgan Chase, have warned that Trump’s approach risks repeating Argentina’s economic mistakes: protectionism, inflation, and political instability.
• Trump’s proposed domestic policies include tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, echoing traditional Republican orthodoxy rather than Milei’s radical reforms.
Populism: Trumpism vs. Perónism
• Both Trumpism and Perónism share traits such as authoritarian tendencies, anti-elite rhetoric, and appeals to the working class.
• However, experts note that Perónism is more focused on workers’ rights and social inclusion, while Trumpism is driven by cultural grievances and lacks a coherent economic vision.
• Trump’s personal affinity for Perónism is also reflected in his admiration for the musical “Evita” and his occasional use of balcony photo-ops reminiscent of Eva Perón.
Milei’s Economic Shock Therapy and Outcomes
• Since taking office, Milei has implemented drastic measures: cutting subsidies, deregulating markets, and purging Peronist symbols, all in an attempt to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy.
• Despite these efforts, foreign investment remains low, and the cost of living has soared, making Argentina the most expensive country in Latin America.
• While inflation has slowed and the budget is more balanced, everyday Argentines face higher prices and declining living standards, leading to protests and strikes.
Implications and Broader Context
• The Trump-Musk split puts Milei in a difficult position, as his pro-business reforms have yet to yield significant foreign investment or widespread prosperity.
• The article suggests that while Perónism was rejected in Argentina’s last election, its economic model is finding new life in the U.S. through Trump’s policies—a development experts warn has historically led to instability and lower growth.
Key Takeaway
The Trump-Musk feud is less about personal animosity and more about clashing visions for economic development, with Argentina serving as a cautionary tale and ideological test case for both men’s ambitions and philosophies.
Trump and Elon Musk's feud is all about Argentina. Here's how
The titanic clash between the president and the Tesla chief can be explained by contrasting views of Argentina's development
