'What about the US?' CNN’s Burnett brings receipts as Trump dismisses cost of Argentina bailout

President Donald Trump's $20 billion "rescue package" to Argentinian President Javier Milei has sparked backlash.

Earlier this month, the president approved a $20 billion U.S. financial rescue for Argentina, primarily a currency swap and peso purchase to stabilize its economy. It was initiated by Trump to support Milei's reforms amid a currency crisis.

During a segment Tuesday, CNN host Erin Burnett noted Trump did not give a lot of details about the aid.

“And he did not mention the personal aspect to this,” she said.

Burnett continued: "Trump has said Millei is his biggest fan, and Millei's office says that Trump called him his favorite president after Trump was reelected.”

She added: “In fact, Milei was one of only a few world leaders on stage with Trump for his inauguration."

Burnett added that Millei also supports some of Trump’s “most core beliefs,” adding that “slashing government spending is one of those things.”

“He has also slammed what Milei calls the ‘mental virus of woke ideology.’ Well, that is music to Trump's ears. And all of that together has paid off now to the tune of $20 billion, which is a great return on investment for Milei,” Burnett said.

Criticizing the president’s move, she said, “But what about the United States? Because it is a very basic and a very simple question.”

She noted that Trump said the package is “not going to make a big difference for our country.”

“Well, now, to say it's not going to make a big difference for our country. $20 billion, right? When they were going for DOGE looking for $100,000 here and there, that really just doesn't add up. That's very important to point out. And $20 billion is a lot of money in that context,” she said.

Burnett argued that explaining why the package is important is key, “especially because of this government shutdown.”

“But also because this bailout will make a big difference for American farmers,” she added.

The anchor also referenced a recent exchange between two Trump officials over the matter.

Last month, a camera captured Agriculture Secretary Rollins’ text message to Treasury Secretary Bessent during the UN session, warning that the US bailout of Argentina could hurt domestic soybean prices. The leaked exchange showed Rollins criticizing the bailout for giving China more leverage over US agricultural exports.

The text appeared to reference Argentina’s decision to drop export tariffs on grains shortly after receiving US financial support. The image, taken by an Associated Press photographer, quickly circulated online and drew attention to tensions inside the administration over trade and farm policy.