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Benny Johnson labels Javier Milei 'The Donald Trump of Argentina' as TV pundit is elected president

Javier Milei, a pro-Trump libertarian with an unconventional background that includes stints as a 'tantric sex coach', clinched a decisive win in Argentina's presidential runoff

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Conservative commentator Benny Johnson found himself at the center of social media trolling as he celebrated the presidential victory of Javier Milei, referring to him as the "Donald Trump of Argentina".

Milei, a pro-Trump libertarian with an unconventional background that includes stints as a "tantric sex coach," clinched a decisive win in Argentina's polarized presidential runoff, defeating Economy Minister Sergio Massa.

The triumph prompted Johnson, a vocal Trump supporter, to declare on X (formerly Twitter), "BREAKING: The ‘Donald Trump’ of Argentina ELECTED President In LANDSLIDE Javier Milei WINS!"

Social media storm unleashed

Johnson's proclamation ignited a storm of reactions, with some users poking fun at his enthusiasm.

"BREAKING: Benny Johnson moving to Argentina!" one responded.

"Oh sweetie, does he have a gold toilet too?" another wrote.

"Javier Milei is not Donald Trump, he’s a Libertarian," a comment read.

"Breaking News! The Donald Trump of America is going to Prison!" another quipped.

However, some users also celebrated Milei's landslide victory alongside Johnson.

"Congratulations to Javier Milei on his landslide victory, becoming the ‘Donald Trump’ of Argentina! Exciting times ahead as Argentina ushers in a new era under his leadership. Ready for positive changes and bold moves!" one gushed.

"Good for Argentina!!" another reacted.

"Let’s keep the wins coming. Let’s go, Trump!" someone else added.

"THIS IS A W FOR HUMANITY," another offered.

Javier Milei's unconventional rise in politics

Milei, known for his far-right libertarian views and climate denial, has vowed to navigate Argentina away from economic turmoil, grappling with skyrocketing inflation nearing 150%, a looming recession, and escalating poverty.

Remarkably, Milei, who entered politics less than three years ago, has outlined an ambitious economic recovery plan, including shutting down the central bank and adopting the US dollar as the official currency.

His unconventional campaign tactics, such as smashing a piñata of the central bank on live TV and brandishing a revving chainsaw, have garnered attention.

Supporters flooded social media with videos capturing the jubilation on the streets of Buenos Aires. One individual told The Guardian, "[I’m] happy, happy, happy. But I don’t think there is another option than trusting him. Now more than ever. The situation is dire."

Republicans congratulate Milei

Notable figures beyond Argentina also extended their congratulations to Milei.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 US presidential candidate, hailed the victory as "good news" and urged the president-elect to "revive your country." "We’re going to see if we can do the same thing here in the United States," Ramaswamy said.

In a video message, Ramaswamy delved into Argentina's economic history, stating, "Just a century ago, Argentina was one of the ten wealthiest countries in the world. Today's Argentina suffers 124% inflation and loses economic migrants to other countries. Congratulations to Javier Milei. Now the hard part begins. May the spirits of Mises and Hayek be with you."

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a right-wing congresswoman from Georgia, joined in with her congratulations, sharing a video of Milei erasing key ministries from a whiteboard.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro echoed the sentiment on X, stating, "Hope is sparkling in South America once again."

Milei is set to take office on December 10, 2023.