BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine President Javier Milei lost one of his most trusted allies Saturday when Cabinet chief Manuel Adorni submitted his resignation amid a widening corruption scandal that has shaken the libertarian government to its core.
Adorni first rose to national prominence as Milei’s spokesperson in 2023, becoming the public face of the president’s aggressive austerity measures and his crusade against political corruption. Milei later elevated him to Cabinet chief, a powerful role that put him at the center of negotiations with regional governors and members of Congress.
In recent months, however, Adorni found himself at the heart of controversy as reports surfaced about lavish spending and real estate acquisitions that appeared far beyond what his government salary could support. Federal prosecutors launched an investigation into him for alleged illicit enrichment — the very kind of behavior that both Milei and Adorni had publicly condemned in Argentina’s left-leaning opposition. Adorni has denied any wrongdoing.
In a resignation letter posted publicly to social media, Adorni addressed the president directly. “For the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes,” he wrote, citing the date Milei assumed office. “Thank you for always trusting me and thank you for supporting me through this unjust, painful and exhausting process for me and my family.”
Despite the political damage caused by the scandal, Milei had stood firmly behind his Cabinet chief. During a visit to Spain last week, the president told local media, “Manuel is innocent. I stand by my ministers to the bitter end.”
Milei’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment following Adorni’s announcement. The president’s sister and top adviser, Karina Milei, offered public praise for Adorni, thanking him for his “tireless work” and calling him an “upright, valuable and much-loved” member of their libertarian movement.
The scrutiny of Adorni’s personal finances began in March, when his wife — who holds no government position — traveled with him aboard the presidential aircraft to a conference in New York. Shortly after, video emerged showing him and his family taking a private jet to the upscale Punta del Este beach resort in Uruguay. Reports also indicated he had purchased two properties since Milei took office: an apartment in Buenos Aires and a weekend home outside the city. Photographs later circulated of him on additional luxury vacations, including an all-cash trip to Aruba.
Public financial disclosures showed Adorni’s monthly government salary was approximately $2,600 until late last year — a figure that left lawmakers and journalists pressing him to explain the gap between his earnings and his apparent lifestyle. He repeatedly struggled to provide a satisfactory answer.
As pressure intensified earlier this month, Adorni admitted to purchasing U.S. dollars through Argentina’s black market and concealing $500,000 in savings from tax authorities. While technically illegal, such practices are widespread in Argentina’s economically unstable environment and rarely prosecuted. Adorni maintained the money was earned through legitimate means, including cryptocurrency investments.
No announcement has been made regarding who will take over as Cabinet chief.
