Tucker Carlson has released his interview with Javier Milei, widely regarded as “Argentina’s Trump” and a top contender in the country’s presidential election next month.
Set in the backdrop of a once-great nation now grappling with inflation and violence, Milei told Carlson he is a libertarian who believes in total freedom for his people. His appeal, Milei added, lies in the fact that much like Trump he is not a scripted politician.
“From my standpoint, there are two ways of explaining this popularity,” said Milei, explaining how his personal background as a former soccer player and rock band singer lends him authenticity in a crowd. He is also an economist, “a combination that makes for an attractive television product.”
“Argentina is a country that has embraced socialist ideas for the last 100 years” which has led to uncontrollable inflation rivaling some of the world’s most desperate failed states, said Milei. Like frogs in a boiling pot of water, Argentinians have grown so accustomed to a stifling lack of freedom that the elites opposing him cannot comprehend another, freer way of life.
The 52-year-old leader of the Libertarian Party caught Argentina’s pollsters by surprise when he finished atop preliminary elections and now appears headed to a romp over the nation’s current leader, Sergio Massa of the Renewal Front party. His unvarnished and sometimes expletive-ridden takedowns of his opponents have rattled the nation’s political spheres as he promises to shutter central banks and slash the size of government.
Throughout their interview, Milei and Carlson cover socially conservative topics as well, including scorn for Argentina’s new Ministry of Women which Milei said offers only a veneer of equality under the law. He offers a libertarian rationale for his defense of the unborn and is grateful for the support of the religious faithful who are praying for him.
Asked what advice he would give to Americans and President Trump who Carlson said are facing the same outcome that has befallen Argentina, Milei said the answer is simple.
“Never embrace the ideals of socialism. Never allow yourselves to be seduced by the siren song of social justice,” he said.
“I’m convinced that what I’m doing is right,” added Milei. “Life without freedom is not worth living.”
Watch the full interview here:
Ep. 24 Argentina’s next president could be Javier Milei. Who is he? We traveled to Buenos Aires to speak with him and find out. pic.twitter.com/4WwTZYoWHs
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) September 14, 2023