Argentine Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni apologized for using the word 'deslomarse' to describe his official trip to New York, calling it an unfortunate phrase. The controversy arose from including his wife in the delegation on the presidential plane, sparking political criticism and debates over state resource use. President Javier Milei defended Adorni, while analysts questioned him.
Manuel Adorni, Argentina's Cabinet Chief, sparked controversy during his participation in Argentina Week in New York, an event gathering entrepreneurs and investors to promote business opportunities. In a live broadcast, Adorni remarked that he was 'deslomándose'—unwinding—while conducting official activities, drawing criticism on social media and in political circles for appearing frivolous on a state-funded trip.
Adorni addressed the incident on his social media, stating: “One can say some unfortunate word or phrase in a live, yes. It has happened to me many times. The word should not have been ‘deslomarse’. We are human and we make mistakes.” He admitted the expression was inappropriate for describing his work, aimed at driving economic changes under Javier Milei's administration.
The controversy escalated upon learning his wife joined the delegation on the presidential plane after initially paying over $5,000 for a commercial ticket, due to a schedule change. This contrasted with a 2024 decree Adorni announced prohibiting private trips on public planes, explicitly mentioning 'bringing family members.' Additionally, a family trip to Punta del Este on a private plane was noted, for which Adorni paid $3,600.
President Milei defended Adorni by invoking the 'marginal cost' concept, arguing criticisms lacked economic sense: “If they knew the marginal cost concept, they would see that many things said make no sense at all. CHEER UP @madorni ...!!!” His sister Karina Milei also voiced support online.
However, economist Diego Giacomini countered: “The trip is financed with theft of taxes you charge everyone. And the marginal cost is 0 for every taxpayer,” accusing Milei of ethical inconsistency. Political analyst Marcos Novaro criticized Adorni's explanation as “the argument of many corrupt people,” describing it as a rationale justifying personal actions through supposed national merits.
In his 2024 sworn declaration, Adorni reported assets of 107.9 million pesos, with debts of 95.4 million, properties in Buenos Aires and La Plata, and vehicles including a 2021 Jeep Compass.”},
