Energy Department Secretary to head US government delegation at Milei’s inauguration

President Biden had already announced he would not be able to attend

The United States government announced that Energy Department Secretary Jennifer Granholm will head the US delegation that will travel to Argentina for president-elect Javier Milei’s inauguration on Sunday.

President Joe Biden had already said he would not be able to assist due to previous commitments on his agenda. During Milei’s brief trip to the US last week, Biden was also unable to meet with him, given that he was traveling across the country.

In addition to Granholm, the U.S. delegation will also include Under Secretary of Transport Policy Carlos Monje, Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs Andrew Light, and National Security Council senior director for the western hemisphere Juan González.

U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley, who joined Milei on his trip to meet with White House, Treasury, and IMF officials, will also be part of the delegation. 

Milei met González and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan last week to “discuss the importance of continuing to build on the strong relationship between the United States and Argentina on economic issues” as well as investments in technology and clean energy and human rights advocacy, a White House press release said.

Biden spoke with Milei three days after the far-right economist won the elections, congratulating him on his victory.

“The two leaders discussed the importance of continuing to build on the strong relationship between the United States and Argentina on economic issues, on regional and multilateral cooperation, and on shared priorities,” said a White House communiqué, saying those shared priorities include “the protection of human rights, addressing food insecurity, and investing in clean energy.”

After the November 19 run-off, former U.S. President Donald Trump also called Milei and promised to visit him in Argentina. Currently, there is no timeline for Trump’s visit.

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