Argentina’s political scene shifted abruptly after President Javier Milei announced that military personnel would take over management of the Olivos presidential residence, replacing the civilian staff. The decision followed official data showing a 0.6% drop in GDP for the last quarter, driven by lower consumption and investment, and a record 45% informal employment rate, meaning 6.1 million Argentines now work without formal contracts. Over the past year, Argentina also lost 121,000 formal private sector jobs and 30,500 public sector jobs, information from official labor statistics. The government says the Casa Militar will be responsible for security at Olivos and the president's temporary residences. Officials cite a need to strengthen security and simplify internal processes.
Several Argentine media outlets, including La Nación, reported that at least 12 civilian staff members were dismissed from the Quinta de Olivos as part of the transition. The Casa Militar is taking over security and some administrative coordination. Argentine media have also noted that military personnel are not expected to perform all domestic tasks themselves. The government says the change goes beyond “military in the kitchen” and reflects a broader shift in how the residence is managed. The transition is expected to finish within 60 days. Officials have linked the decision to security concerns, citing risks to information and the need for better protection of the president and his family, not the recent economic data.
Within hours of these figures making headlines, Milei posted a series of insults against journalists on his X account, calling them “repugnant trash” and “human filth who do nothing but lie.” Written in all caps and without further explanation, the posts highlighted his growing hostility toward the media. The timing suggested that the negative economic news had set off his latest outburst. Still, information from EFE and other sources, the government insists the staff changes at Olivos are unrelated to the economic data or media disputes. Officials say they are part of a broader response to what they describe as a “rise in global insecurity” and upcoming high-profile visits, including that of Pope Leo XIV.
Argentina’s basic press association, ADEPA, has warned that Milei’s repeated attacks on journalists and media outlets are fueling a “contagion effect” in society. ADEPA reports that between August 17 and 23, Milei’s account republished 335 messages targeting the press, along with 26 original posts and 21 public remarks criticizing journalism. ADEPA's 64th assembly report documents this pattern and details the president's use of social media to undermine the press.
Meanwhile, the Association of State Workers (ATE), Argentina’s largest public sector union, has formally requested information from the government about Milei’s physical and mental health. The union cited statements from mental health professionals, including psychiatrist Graciela Peyrú, who described Milei as showing “manic traits,” including grandiosity and irritability, alongside a lack of self-criticism. Psychiatrist Enrique Stola also raised concerns about Milei’s “emotional instability” and verbally aggressive behavior. Vice President Victoria Villarruel has publicly expressed unease about the president’s state of mind and what she called his “imaginary persecutions.” Journalist and physician Nelson Castro went further, saying Milei has “a psychiatric problem.”
Argentina’s presidency is marked by economic strain and institutional turbulence, with Milei’s confrontational style drawing scrutiny from the media and within his own administration. Replacing civilian staff with military personnel at Olivos goes beyond a security measure: it reflects a presidency increasingly defined by volatility and personal conflict. As the country faces mounting economic and social challenges, Milei’s approach is raising concerns about deepening divisions and confidence in Argentina’s democratic institutions.
