In the political whirlwind of 2025, Javier Milei alternated scandals and triumphs like a tightrope walker. The legislative elections on October 26, where La Libertad Avanza (LLA) obtained 40.66% of the votes and won in 15 provinces, including Buenos Aires, marked a break. The President spoke of a “historic” result. This support consolidated his base and reactivated media ties that had cooled after the corruption scandals. Journalists who supported him since December 2023 distanced themselves when the complaints grew, but after the victory they approached him again.
Esteban Trebucq, from LN+, was one of Milei’s first defenders, with relaxed interviews and praise for his “human warmth.” In February 2025, she celebrated her time in Davos, but everything changed with Karinagate: audios from former lawyer Diego Spagnuolo revealed bribes at the National Disability Agency, with surcharges of 8% and an alleged 3% for Karina Milei. Spagnuolo spoke of “genetic voracity” in operators like Eduardo “Lule” Menem. Trebucq lowered his tone in the campaign and avoided direct criticism. After October 26, he returned to enthusiasm: he highlighted Diego Santilli’s 41.53% in Buenos Aires and even helped Milei on camera to hide tics.
Alejandro Fantino, from Neura, also distanced himself. An old ally—he interviewed him in 2016 and held a five-hour meeting in April 2025—exploded after the scandal: “Let them fall into the trap,” he claimed, and spoke of “Guantanamo.” Then, with the Narcogate that brought down José Luis Espert for receiving US$200,000 from a drug trafficker wanted by the US, he criticized “caste privileges.” They nicknamed him “Fantibio,” but after the victory he returned to support and celebrate the “economic miracle.”
Jonatan Viale also zigzagged. He spread favorable polls and anticipated victories in Mendoza and Salta, but Narcogate made him question Milei’s “self-birthday” at the Movistar Arena and warn about drug financing. In February he had admitted “lack of firmness” in Libra-gate when Santiago Caputo intervened. After 40% nationally on October 26, he aligned himself again.
The pattern is clear: these journalists promoted Milei in 2023, stopped in the face of complaints – bribes of US$500,000-800,000 a month and drug ties – and returned after the victory, the sum of 64 deputies and 20 senators, the support of Trump and a swap of US$20,000 million. With inflation close to 4% and social adjustment, support will continue as long as the climate is favorable. If the economy becomes complicated, criticism may return.
