Argentine Cabinet Chief Resigns Amid Corruption Scandal
12 reported1 unconfirmed
Argentine President Javier Milei’s Cabinet chief and close ally, Manuel Adorni, resigned Saturday following a corruption scandal that has roiled the libertarian government, according to a single-source report from ABC News. Adorni, who served as Milei’s former spokesperson and emerged in 2023 as the face of his austerity program and anti-corruption drive, is under federal investigation for illicit enrichment stemming from alleged excesses. Adorni denies wrongdoing. In his resignation letter posted to social media, Adorni wrote that he was going against Milei’s wishes for the first time since the president entered office on December 10, 2023. Milei has defended Adorni, stating “Manuel is innocent” and that he stands by his ministers. The scandal has damaged the government’s public image and constrained Milei’s political leverage, according to the report.
What’s reported
Manuel Adorni resigned as Cabinet chief on Saturday.
He is under federal investigation for illicit enrichment.
Adorni denies wrongdoing.
In his resignation letter, Adorni said he was going against Milei’s wishes for the first time since December 10, 2023.
Milei has defended Adorni, saying “Manuel is innocent.”
Adorni’s private life drew scrutiny in March when his wife accompanied him on the presidential aircraft for a New York conference.
Footage later showed him and his family on a private jet to Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Local media reported he bought two properties since Milei took office.
Adorni earned a monthly salary of around $2,600 until late last year.
He admitted to buying dollars in Argentina’s black market and hiding $500,000 in savings from tax authorities.
Adorni insisted the money was earned legitimately, including through cryptocurrency investments.
It remains unclear who will replace him as Cabinet chief.
Open questions
Who will replace Adorni as Cabinet chief.
Key figures
Manuel Adorni: Argentine Cabinet chief and close ally of President Milei.
Javier Milei: President of Argentina.
Karina Milei: Milei’s sister and top adviser.
Sources: abcnews.com
