At the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent delivered remarks highlighting Argentina’s recent economic transformation under President Javier Milei.
Bessent recalled Argentina’s history of economic struggles, citing “decades of mismanagement” that led to inflation, unemployment, and debt defaults. He said, “When pressed by the people, the government’s solution to each of these problems was always Más. More spending. More social programs. More bureaucracy.” He added, “But as the government did more, the people had less.”
The Treasury Secretary credited President Milei for changing this approach: “One man recognized government wasn’t the solution—it was the problem. One man had the courage to stand up for Argentina by standing against the establishment. And that man stands beside us this evening.”
Bessent praised Milei’s administration for creating a more efficient government focused on protecting property rights and free enterprise. “In place of a corrupt, budget-busting bureaucracy, the Milei administration has built a lean, efficient government that looks to safeguard the property, liberty, and free enterprise of its people,” he stated.
He also referenced Milei’s fiscal policies: “As President Milei noted last week, financial equilibrium is the cornerstone of growth. To that end, President Milei has presented a plan to achieve a fiscal surplus for the third year in a row.”
While acknowledging opposition to these reforms—“Generational reform is painful. And that pain invites derision from those who have been voted out of power”—Bessent maintained that Milei has stayed committed to his principles and compared him to former U.S. President Donald Trump in empowering citizens over government.
According to Bessent, Milei’s policies have inspired similar reforms in other Latin American countries and motivated young Argentinians to question traditional views on state intervention in prosperity.
“In recognition of these monumental achievements,” Bessent concluded, “I am pleased to present the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award to President Javier Milei.”
