Javier Milei has maintained a historically conflictive relationship with journalism, marked by attacks and complaints that deteriorated press freedom and led the country to its worst historical position according to international reports. His position was summed up in a phrase he published online: “We don’t hate journalists enough,” referring to those who, according to him, attacked him without foundation. Even so, during his political rise he cultivated alliances with communicators who supported him and to whom he granted exclusive interviews, some with such close treatment that it bordered on friendship. But those relationships began to break down, generating anger and public disagreements that exposed fissures in their media circle.
One of the most visible cases is Luis Majul, who used to interview him frequently. The President stopped attending his program despite past meetings. Shortly after, Majul published the “10 commandments for Milei’s recovery” in The gesture was read as a break in the relationship.
Esteban Trebucq, who had an almost friendly relationship with Milei, also experienced a tense exchange when the president accused him of interrupting him and ordered him to “read the Clarín journalist.” Weeks before, the journalist had harshly criticized the official handling of the Disability controversy, stating that “they did everything wrong.”
Jonatan Viale, perhaps the most loyal at the beginning, changed his tone after the scandals involving Karina Milei, accused of collecting bribes, and Narcogate that led to the resignation of José Luis Espert. In his programs he denounced a “wave of corruption” and questioned the Oresident and his sister for not fighting the “worship.”
In another interview, Eduardo Feinmann received a snub when Milei called him a “crybaby” after a complaint about lack of grades. And Alejandro Fantino, another former ally, criticized the presidential use of the word “effort”: “The caste does not know what effort is. They go to Banelco and spit out the little bill.” His comment unleashed a wave of attacks and the hashtag #Fantibio.
Milei’s break with his former favorite journalists reveals a paradox: the President who relied on them to amplify his message today faces them at the slightest hint of criticism. Its intolerance and historical aversion to journalism suggest a government that prioritizes loyalty over dialogue, alienating even those who were its closest allies and weakening its media base.
