President Javier Milei was the guest of honour on Tuesday as the United States Embassy in Argentina staged a major celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Government officials and local media said Milei is the first sitting Argentine President to attend the US Embassy's annual Independence Day reception in Buenos Aires.
The reception drew in plenty of top-tier names – Cabinet ministers, provincial governors, lawmakers, members of the Judiciary, diplomats and business leaders were all in attendance, including Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, new Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli and Lower House Speaker Martín Menem, among other senior government figures.
Milei arrived at Palacio Bosch, the US ambassador’s residence in the capital, shortly after 7.30pm for the event, which featured the national anthems of both countries, remarks by the ambassador and live musical performances. Lookalikes, Hollywood iconography and even a Harley
After posing for photographs with his sister, Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and Ambassador Lamelas and his wife Stephanie Lamelas – in front of paintings of himself and US President Donald Trump – President Milei was swiftly swarmed by fans and admirers seeking selfies.
Ambassador Lamelas was keen to make the President feel at home. As well as thanking Milei profusely in his speech for “honouring” him with his attendance, the envoy booked an opera singer to sing Argentina’s national anthem (a cute nod to Milei’s ‘Opera Sunday’ listening sessions), a classic rock band to play their hits and even hired the head of state’s ex-partner to perform.
In his speech, Lamelas paid tribute to his “great friend Javier, ” expressed his admiration for Argentina and spoke of his family background, detailing the story of how his family moved from Cuba to the United States when he was just four years old.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of men made a historic decision. They had no guarantees. They had no certainty. But they had courage. Courage like President Milei. Courage like the lion!” said the envoy, referencing the US Founding Fathers.
“Those men took up a pen, signed their names and declared a simple but powerful idea to “the world: We are free!
“It marked the birth of the United States and the birth of the American Dream: the belief that a person, no matter where they are born, no matter how much they have, or where they live, can build their own destiny.”
“That dream does not belong only to the United States. That dream belongs here in Argentina as well. It lives here too,” he declared.
After the ceremony, Milei, his sister and Lamelas sat in the front row for a concert by US rock band Jefferson Starship, which performed a selection of hits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
At one point, the ambassador, who joined the band briefly on stage, was even seen strumming the lead guitar player’s instrument.
The reception also featured a performance of the Village People’s ‘YMCA’ – the song closely associated with US President Donald Trump's rallies and celebrations, particularly at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Trump himself even made an appearance via a pre-recorded video message, in which he declared that the US “is the hottest country in the world right now” and referenced criticism of him, uttering: “I’m no king.”
The evening concluded with a performance by comedian and impressionist Fátima Florez, Milei’s former girlfriend, who appeared in character as Liza Minnelli to perform the American classic ‘New York, New York.’
Milei’s high-profile appearance came amid speculation he would travel to Washington for the official July 4 festivities, after having received an invitation from Trump to attend. He ultimately desisted, deciding to focus on domestic affairs given his recent cabinet re-shuffle.
Since taking office, Milei has prioritised diplomatic engagement with the United States and Israel. From December 2023 on he has made 16 visits to the North American country, more than to any other foreign nation.
“President Trump sent me here to the Argentine Republic with a clear mission: to advance the relationship between the United States and Argentina, to support this new era of change and transformation and to work alongside President Milei's government to strengthen our alliance,” said Ambassador Lamelas in his speech.
“President Milei, the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Argentina as you write this new chapter,” he concluded.
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