‘So much for America First’: Trump torched over huge bailout for president's 'dear friend'

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Wednesday that his agency is working to secure an additional $20 billion to add to the previously announced $20 billion bailout of Argentina, an announcement that sparked outrage from the administration’s critics.

“So that would be a total of $40 billion for Argentina,” Bessent said, speaking with members of the press at the Treasury building, CNN reported.

The Trump administration finalized its $20 billion bailout for Argentina last week, paid for with American tax dollars. The additional $20 billion Bessent announced on Wednesday, he said, would be paid for through a partnership with sources from the private sector and other entities, though the new price tag ignited rage from critics who argued the Trump administration had abandoned its mantra of “America first.”

“Trump is DOUBLING his bailout for Argentina. Meanwhile your health care premiums are about to DOUBLE,” wrote Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in a social media post on X on Wednesday. “$40 BILLION to help Trump’s elite friends. $0 to lower costs for American families.”

“So much for ‘America first,’” noted the popular X account “Republicans against Trump” with its close to 1 million followers.

Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has had a strong relationship with President Donald Trump, calling him “not only an ally” but “also a dear friend.” Trump, in turn, has praised Milei as being “MAGA all the way,” and championed his libertarian ideals that have drastically cut government agencies and regulations, ideals that critics say have destabilized the country and increased income inequality dramatically.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) also joined in on slamming the Trump administration over the news of the bailout’s new price tag, highlighting the fact that Republican lawmakers’ ongoing opposition to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies would see health care premiums double for as many as 22 million Americans.

“If you're the Qatari royal family worth $335 billion, Trump gives you an Air Force facility in Idaho,” Sanders wrote Wednesday in a social media post on X.

“If you're the President of Argentina, Trump gives you a $20 billion bailout. If you're an American whose health care premiums are about to double? Tough luck.”