The victory of Freedom Advances (LLA) In the legislative elections on October 26—with 41% of the votes and presence in the 24 districts—it shook the markets: 2035 sovereign bonds rose 13 cents, the peso strengthened 10% against the dollar and the Merval rose 7%, according to official data and financial reports. In that context, Barry Bennettthe Republican consultant nicknamed “the viceroy,” arrived in Buenos Aires aboard his partner’s Bombardier Global 5000 (N18RU) jet Leonardo Scatturicean OCP Tech businessman and former SIDE agent, whose plane — in February — evaded customs controls with ten unchecked suitcases. Scatturice, with contracts worth $790 million in the Ministry of Economy, shares with Bennett clients such as Rob Citronefrom Discovery Capital, an investor in Argentine bonds.
As revealed in the cover story of Revista NOTICIAS “Viceroy Bennett and the US intervention in Argentina”, written by Rodis Recalt, Bennett, former Trump adviser in 2016 and founder of Tactic Global, is the key link between Milei and Washington. His visit sought to measure the impact of the libertarian victory (101 deputies and 20 senators) on funds such as BlackRock and Fidelity, interested in lithium, uranium and rare earths.
Close to Santiago Caputoan advisor to Milei, Bennett consolidated their bond during the 2024 CPAC. Together they managed the Milei-Trump summits in February and October, which led to a US$40 billion bailout—a US$20 billion swap and a debt fund—conditional on labor and tax reforms.
From the Scatturice offices in Puerto Madero, with Soledad Cedro (CEO of CPAC Argentina) as translator, Bennett held meetings at the beginning of October with Caputo and opponents such as Cristian Ritondo, Miguel Pichetto and Rodrigo De Loredo. Its uncontrolled flight revived criticism for “privileges,” although the Government ensures prior reviews in the US.
As NOTICIAS pointed out, Bennett promotes a pro-market agenda that seeks to displace China from Vaca Muerta and northern lithium. At 62 years old, he combines experience in Republican campaigns with mining lobbying. For Milei, his presence in Buenos Aires meant significant international support; for its critics, a sign of external dependence. Bennett’s stopover was brief; on Monday night, after several meetings, he left the country again heading north.
