Medical magnate Peter Lamelas, nominated by Donald Trump to represent the United States in Argentina, is putting the final touches on his move to Buenos Aires, where he will take up the post as a political ambassador.
It is an appointment that promises to shake up the diplomatic landscape. At 66 years old, with no previous experience in the foreign service but a close personal relationship with the Republican president, Lamelas arrives with a clear mission: to solidify the bond with President Javier Milei and increase tensions with both Kirchnerism and China.
Lamelas’ arrival comes at a time of unprecedented ideological alignment between Washington and Buenos Aires. “There hasn’t been a better moment in the bilateral relationship since 1975,” say diplomatic observers, who note that over the past six months, cooperation has focused on security and defence, with National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich playing a key role as a point of continuity from the era of former president Mauricio Macri.
The incoming envoy, a doctor and businessman, met President Milei previously at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, where he is both a neighbour and a friend. Another key figure also operates from there: Leonardo Scatturicce, the FlyBondi owner and entrepreneur who is a close associate of top presidential advisor Santiago Caputo.
Scatturicce is believed to be the main link between Trump’s power base in Florida and the Argentine president’s inner circle. He was recently at the centre of a scandal after one of his private jets carrying one of his employees arrived in Buenos Aires with at 10 suitcases that bypassed customs controls – an episode the Casa Rosada sought to downplay in order to avoid jeopardising the bilateral relationship.
During his nomination hearing before the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lamelas outlined the main pillars of his agenda: to confront Kirchnerism, curb Chinese influence in the region and offer unambiguous support for Milei and his government. His political profile contrasts with the more institutional approach of the US State Department and follows the tradition of appointing ambassadors to Buenos Aires as a reward for their assistance to major campaign donors.
Lamelas’ arrival – which has been delayed due to paralysis in the US Senate – is expected after September 21, when the chamber resumes sessions and finally approves his appointment. In the meantime, the US Embassy in Buenos Aires remains highly active: just recently, it coordinated the first deportation flight from the United States to Argentina, organised by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in conjunction with Bullrich.
The new ambassador will assume his role with a direct line to Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He has a clear goal: to reinforce the alignment of the governments of Milei and Trump and deepen bilateral – and ideological – ties.
Comments