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Javier Milei, the far-right president of Argentina, was overshadowed by an unexpected episode during his attendance at a gala in Washington DC, a state he has visited as a guest to witness the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States, after he was overshadowed by the presence of Mexican Altagracia Gómez Sierra.
Milei was recognized at the Hispanic Inaugural Ball with the “Titan of Economic Reform” award. However, his acceptance speech at the gala was unexpectedly overshadowed by a distraction in the room.
On stage, Milei said: “Hello everyone. I never thought I would feel as at home as I do now. Good evening everyone. I want to thank those present and the organizers who made this evening possible. It is an honor for me to be here and receive the Titan of Economic Reform Award on this day.”
The Argentine president was giving his all in his long speech, but all eyes were focused on the tables in front of him, where Mexican businesswoman Altagracia Gómez Sierra, the Mexican government's liaison with national and international businessmen, was sitting down.
At least that was what was seen in videos circulating on social media, which revealed that while Milei was giving her speech, much of the public's attention was directed at Gómez Sierra.
#LASTINGHOUR
ALTAGRACIA STEALS THE SHOW FROM THE LIBERTARIAN@JMilei in Washington
While the fascists were giving her a fake prize, all eyes and cameras were on the person in charge of Plan Mexico, Altagracia Gómez… pic.twitter.com/9jswGJAkHN
— The Northern Catrina (@catrina_nortena) January 19, 2025
Animated conversations and photo sessions with Gómez Sierra diverted the focus, leaving Milei speaking to a scattered and distracted audience.
Despite this incident, Milei took advantage of his trip to Washington to meet with international leaders, including Marco Rubio, the next Secretary of State, to discuss bilateral issues. He also seeks to advance negotiations with Kristalina Georgieva, director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on a new financial agreement.
The lapse in attention during the gala quickly generated comments on social media, where many users joked about Gómez Sierra's ability to "steal the show." This episode will undoubtedly go down as a highlight of Milei's visit to Washington.
The event was held at the elegant Omni Hotel and was attended by nearly a thousand people.
During his speech, Milei spoke out against socialism and said he defended freedom above all.
"My commitment to the ideas of freedom, that is, to the defense of the right to life, liberty and property, is unwavering. And as a result of having lived most of my adult life in a country consumed by socialism, being honored with this distinction fills me with pride," said the economist.
“I have said before that socialism is a disease of the soul, which attacks and corrodes human beings in their fundamental values and if not confronted in time can lead to misery as has happened in my country. However, the silent majorities are awakening, and as a result the course of history is changing,” he added.
After recounting his reforms in Argentina and what they have meant, the Argentine president closed his speech by thanking and winking at Trump using one of his famous phrases.
“I want to thank you for this recognition. May God bless each and every one of you and the Argentine people. Let us make Argentina and the United States great again. And may the forces of heaven be with you. Long live freedom, dammit! Thank you very much.”
Other videos on social media show that when he left the gala in Washington, Milei was heckled by some attendees, who shouted at him, “Javier… get out, get out!”
#LASTINGHOUR
RUN AWAY LIKE A COWARD@JMilei in Washington
In front of the people who questioned him for leaving millions of Argentines without electricity, without food and in poverty.
“Javier Out, Out”… pic.twitter.com/fty4mbjRbv
— The Northern Catrina (@catrina_nortena) January 19, 2025
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