Santiago Caputo responds with sharp criticisms to the controversy over the U.S. delegations

In recent days, Santiago Caputo, the presidential advisor to the current administration, publicly defended the arrival of bipartisan delegations from the United States to Argentine territory. His responses, directed at sectors questioning these diplomatic visits, were characterized by a confrontational tone that reignited the debate over sovereignty and international relations.

The confrontation over Argentine sovereignty

The controversy began when two U.S. military aircraft, including a Boeing C-40 Clipper, landed at the “Malvinas Argentinas” international airport last Monday. The arrival of these delegations from the U.S. House of Representatives triggered immediate criticism from the opposition, which denounced a lack of transparency in the process.

Progressive sectors questioned the absence of prior notification about the arrival of the U.S. congressmen. Specifically, Kirchnerism submitted a request for an official report to the Senate, seeking explanations on how this visit was managed amid the government’s intervention at the Ushuaia port.

Santiago Caputo did not let the criticisms pass and responded forcefully, calling those questioning the visit “a select group of oligofrenics” and “leftists.” The presidential advisor argued that the arrival of representatives from “the world’s leading power and Argentina’s main strategic partner” should not generate controversy. He also included the media in his criticisms, claiming they reproduce these objections because their editorials are “co-opted by leftists.”

Bipartisan delegations in Vaca Muerta and the debate over protocols

The U.S. delegations arrived with specific agendas related to strategic sectors for the country. A delegation from the Committee on Energy and Commerce visited southern provinces, particularly Tierra del Fuego, where topics such as environmental degradation, permit processing for mining and critical minerals were to be discussed.

Later, this same delegation traveled to Neuquén to visit Vaca Muerta, the significant unconventional oil and gas field. On the same Tuesday, a second delegation composed of members from the Committee on Education and Workforce, led by Representative Tim Walberg, arrived with a focus on education, workforce development, cybersecurity, and governance frameworks for artificial intelligence.

Senator Cristina López, one of the main critics from the opposition, argued that these visits represented “another display of surrendering sovereignty” by the current government. She expressed concern that the province was functioning as “a foreign military base,” reflecting pre-existing tensions with the provincial administration of Tierra del Fuego.

Foreign Ministry defends transparency in arrangements

In response to public questions, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno issued the first official statement on the matter via social media. He argued that the arrival of these delegations reflected international interest in the Argentine government’s plan and the strategic relationship between the two nations.

When a user questioned the lack of prior government notification about the arrival of the U.S. military flights, Quirno denied this accusation. He assured that “the relevant authorities have been informed and the delegations announced by the country itself.” However, the Foreign Ministry remains silent on the specific details of who exactly comprises these delegations and the exact protocols followed.

The controversy highlights a deeper rift in Argentine political discourse, where Santiago Caputo and the opposition hold irreconcilable positions on how foreign diplomatic and military presence should be managed within the national territory.