Saying that social networks have a mind of their own, a provincial right-leaning deputy and former model, Amalia Granata, urged to sever the ties. The Argentine president Javier Milei has an intense connection with X, the platform once known as Twitter. The far-right leader spends a sizable portion of time online, treating the virtual space as a second nature and betting that this digital predominance will help him steer a country with a large poverty rate, soaring inflation in the early days of his administration, and multiple fronts of conflict from the streets to the national legislature, as well as tense provincial relations and a cagey dynamic with Brazil under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The president’s online behavior is quantified in numbers. About 2.5 million followers expect a steady stream of commentary. The self-described anarcho-capitalist routinely posts and engages. From the start of his term on December 10 until February 10, 2024, he wrote thousands of posts and liked thousands of others, averaging well over two dozen daily interactions, including a notable engagement with Elon Musk and supporters of libertarian ideas. These bursts can intensify during periods of insomnia, with the night offering a stage to vent. The following day, the activity dips but remains substantial, with hundreds of posts and hundreds of reactions spread across a single day.
No topic seems sacred to Milei. He speaks freely about government matters yet does not hesitate to weigh in on ideological questions or the pranks of the spectacle. His presence on the platform is hard to miss. A major Spanish-language newspaper described the online immersion as a governing style. Posts praising the platform appear to be rewarded with likes and retweets. He also uses the network as an instrument for venting anger and as a subject of fascination. A recent reaction to a post by an adult film actress drew immediate attention as a trending moment on the platform.
Territory of clashes
On the social space, tension also surfaces. Milei praised a large gathering held by far-right actors in Brazil, featuring Jair Bolsonaro who is currently investigated in Brazil for his role in an attempted disruption of the Brazilian political process. Milei’s republication echoed a message aligned with Bolsonaro, feeding irritation across the border. At times he argues with journalists whose views do not align with his, challenging what he calls misinformation and defending his right to express opinions online.
Elogio of the fake news era
For Milei, the social platform is central. A new appointment to lead digital communications within the presidency marks a continued emphasis on online messaging. The app’s supporters saw the appointment as a signal of the ongoing cultural battle, while critics warned of the risks of amplification and manipulation. The use of the platform in political strategy has become a focal point for discussions about governance, media, and the power of online discourse.
Nearly one hundred days into his term, X functions as more than a podium. It is a space where provincial frictions become sharper, with some provinces resisting national fiscal decisions. Regional leaders have expressed concerns about resource management and debt settlements, while national sentiment tests the balance between centralized authority and provincial autonomy. Milei has not shied away from amplifying provocative remarks by anonymous users, sometimes broadcasting controversial statements to a broad audience.
In a recent column, observers argued that the president’s approach tests the boundaries of civility and decorum. Critics contend that the rhetoric and online behavior could risk escalating conflicts and complicating governance. As the opening of the first legislative assembly approaches, tensions are expected to mount, with numerous outbursts anticipated on the platform as well as in public forums.