After his speech at the Council of the Americas, Milei again targeted journalists and accused them of being "corrupt and corrupt".

Javier Milei, the Argentine president, once again targeted journalists during his speech at the Council of the Americas, accusing them of being “corrupt” and “ensobrados.” The remarks came after his appearance at the Hotel Alvear, where he delivered a fiery address that included sharp criticisms of business leaders, political opponents, and media figures. Milei used his X account to directly respond to critics, calling them “corrupt” and “ensobrados,” and stated that it was flattering to see how much they were disturbed by his presentation. His comments followed a nearly hour-long speech in which he defended his government’s economic direction while challenging economists, entrepreneurs, and media outlets. The Council of the Americas event, held on August 21, was part of the 23rd edition organized by the Americas Society and Council of the Americas, alongside the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services. During his speech, Milei had already criticized the media and economists who questioned his policies. He remarked, “I don’t know if Argentine economists and journalists hate data more than leftists in water,” suggesting that critical reporting is driven by ideological bias rather than factual accuracy. This sentiment echoed past attacks against the press, reflecting a pattern of confrontation that has characterized his leadership since taking office. Milei's antagonism toward journalists is not new. Since assuming power in May 2023, he has frequently accused the press of corruption and bias, using terms such as “corrupt” and “ensobrados” to describe critics. In April, he intensified this campaign following the closure of the presidential press room at the Casa Rosada and the revocation of accreditation for over 60 journalists. At that time, he called the media “corrupt” and “ensobrados,” reinforcing his belief that the press serves a partisan agenda. In May, he went further, claiming that 95% of journalists were “garbage,” a statement that drew widespread condemnation. In recent weeks, Milei has continued his rhetoric against the media. On August 18, he posted on X, accusing outlets of displaying an alleged “anti-government bias” and repeating the label of “corrupt journalism.” These statements have become routine in his communication strategy, framing criticism of his policies as evidence of journalistic dishonesty. The pattern suggests a deliberate effort to delegitimize media scrutiny, aligning with broader efforts to consolidate control over public discourse. During his speech at the Council of the Americas, Milei also confronted key sectors of the economy. He criticized industrial leaders such as Paolo Rocca and Javier Madanes Quintanilla, while praising the job losses at companies like Fate, arguing that such outcomes benefit the general consumer. He emphasized a deregulatory approach, defending his minister of deregulation, Federico Sturzenegger, and dismissing concerns about social unrest as part of a “false narrative.” His comments reflected both his ideological stance and his frustration with perceived opposition. The audience at the event appeared unsettled by Milei’s intensity. Some attendees noted his erratic behavior, including skipping greetings upon arrival and adopting a confrontational tone. The atmosphere was tense, with some seats remaining empty. Milei’s remarks did not go unnoticed within his own political circle, particularly among members of the Círculo Rojo, a group of close allies. Their concern underscores the growing polarization surrounding his administration and its impact on public perception. As his rhetoric continues to escalate, so too does the scrutiny of his governance, setting the stage for further developments in the months ahead.