U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been the point-person entrusted with selling financial markets on some of President Donald Trump's riskiest economic gambles: sweeping global tariffs, trade talks with China and preparations to install a new leader at the U.S. central bank.
But Bessent's trickiest task may just be the White House bet on Argentina.
The U.S. stepped onto the scene in mid-September, responding to a plunge in the peso - the Argentine currency - which officials feared could imperil Trump ally President Javier Milei and his party in looming midterm elections.
Bessent said the U.S. would do whatever was needed to stabilize the situation, calling the country a key ally in the region.
In political terms, the U.S. intervention - which included purchases of pesos and the establishment of a $20 billion (£15 billion) currency swap line that gives the Argentine central bank access to dollars - was a success for Milei. His party not only fended off losses in the midterm elections but made inroads, strengthening his position.
However, whether the U.S. intervention in the country will be a success financially is another question. The peso has fallen roughly 30% this year, including roughly 4% over the last month, indicating ongoing risks. At the end of the day, the U.S. could find itself holding a pile of pesos worth much less than their original value.
This intervention in Argentina was a highly unusual move - especially from a White House known for its 'America First' approach. Milei has endeared himself to conservatives in the U.S. with his embrace of free-market reforms and radical spending cuts.
Yet, the U.S. has rarely provided financial bailouts to other countries - especially in situations that pose no broader financial stability risks - making this intervention unprecedented, according to experts.
Recent actions might not only present a dilemma for the U.S. government but also offer insight into future economic policies in Argentina and its alignment with U.S. interests.
