Trump set to bail out Argentina, irking some in 'America First' camp [View all]
President Donald Trumps decision to give Argentina a $20 billion financial lifeline has stirred anger among some of his most loyal supporters and raised questions about the limits of his America First approach to the global economy.
The presidents customary allergy to using taxpayer money to help other nations makes the Argentine rescue especially noteworthy. Since taking office in January, Trump has slashed U.S. foreign aid programs, slow-walked military assistance for Ukraine and demanded that close allies like South Korea and Japan pay for a greater share of their defense.
But the administration last week showed no hesitation about saving Argentina from its latest economic misfortune. Its not that the Latin American nation is vital to the global economy. Though it was among the worlds richest countries in the early 20th century, today its annual output is roughly equal to Michigans.
The U.S. intervention stems from a blend of political and economic considerations. Trump is a fan of Argentine President Javier Milei, a libertarian whose attacks on government spending and red tape have made him a folk hero to the American right. This month, however, Mileis party was trounced in provincial elections in Buenos Aires, raising doubts about his ability to retain a legislative majority in Oct. 26 midterm elections. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Milei needs a bridge to the election so that he can win a renewed mandate for reform.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-set-to-bail-out-argentina-irking-some-in-america-first-camp/ar-AA1NsmtA
I'd venture a guess the vast majority of Americans who are aware of this are irked by it.