Portrait of Mauricio Macri
Politician · person
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Mauricio Macri on Donald Trump

Willing political ally (strong)

TL;DR

Mauricio Macri views Donald Trump as a friend and a significant political ally who was beneficial to Argentina during his presidency.

Key Points

  • The former Argentine President recounted an anecdote where the former U.S. President suggested Argentina conquer Chile to gain access to both oceans, stating Trump was half-serious, half-joking (2024).

  • While in office, Macri's administration worked to deepen ties, including agreeing on cooperation on tax information and seeking to resolve constraints related to the international financial community.

  • Macri met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April 2022 to discuss bilateral relations and the global context after both had left office.

Summary

Mauricio Macri expressed a positive view of Donald Trump, consistently characterizing him as a friend and noting the positive impact the personal relationship had on U.S.-Argentine ties while Macri was president. Macri rebuilt relations with the United States after a difficult period, and he viewed the connection with the sitting U.S. President as instrumental in opening doors to the international financial community and lifting certain constraints. The former Argentine leader had maintained contact with Trump even before his presidency, with their paths having crossed in the business world decades prior. Macri publicly acknowledged Trump as a great friend to Argentina due to their personal relationship.

Despite initial preferences for another candidate during the U.S. election, Macri quickly worked to establish closeness with the Trump administration, believing the personal dynamic would foster cooperation. Discussions between the two leaders focused on areas of shared interest like addressing the crisis in Venezuela and energy sector cooperation, with Macri seeking foreign investment for Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play. Following his term, Macri continued to meet with the former President, exchanging views on the global context and the future of bilateral relations.

Key Quotes

“In the call, I also talked with his daughter,” Macri told the Japanese newspaper the Asahi Shimbun. “I have known her since her infant days.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Mauricio Macri has generally maintained a positive and friendly relationship with Donald Trump. He has publicly called the former U.S. President a friend and credited their personal connection for being beneficial to Argentina during his time in office.

While in office, Macri faced allegations, which his spokesman denied, that he discussed approving a stalled building permit for a Trump office project in Buenos Aires during a call with the President-elect. Macri's administration generally prioritized reintegrating Argentina into global affairs and seeking U.S. investment.

Yes, Mauricio Macri has continued to meet with Donald Trump after their respective presidential terms ended. They shared a lunch in Florida in 2022 where they exchanged views on the global context and U.S.-Argentine ties.

Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.