Feed MRSS-S scott_bessent_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:24:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-02/separatist-movement-in-canadas-alberta-province-finds-allies-in-trumps-circle.html Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:24:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-02/separatist-movement-in-canadas-alberta-province-finds-allies-in-trumps-circle.html Irene Serrano An association is collecting signatures for an independence referendum in the country’s conservative stronghold An association is collecting signatures for an independence referendum in the country’s conservative stronghold Canadá Donald Trump MAGA China Scott Bessent Donbás NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) A rally outside the Alberta Legislative Assembly in May 2025. A rally outside the Alberta Legislative Assembly in May 2025. <p>In the middle of a trade war and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-23/kenneth-frankel-president-of-the-canadian-council-for-the-americas-some-people-have-called-trumps-actions-the-ukraineization-of-canada.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-23/kenneth-frankel-president-of-the-canadian-council-for-the-americas-some-people-have-called-trumps-actions-the-ukraineization-of-canada.html">Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st state</a> of the United States, Canadians are watching in astonishment as figures close to the president embrace a minority separatist movement in the province of Alberta. Secret meetings with representatives of the U.S. State Department, the open support of figures from the MAGA movement, and the possibility of a referendum this fall — for which signatures are already being collected — paint a picture in which many see the shadow of foreign interference.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-02/separatist-movement-in-canadas-alberta-province-finds-allies-in-trumps-circle.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-19/trumps-desperate-attempts-to-curb-soaring-oil-prices.html Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:45:23 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-19/trumps-desperate-attempts-to-curb-soaring-oil-prices.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno The US president has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia, released 40% of America’s oil reserves, and changed maritime laws The US president has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia, released 40% of America’s oil reserves, and changed maritime laws Irán Donald Trump Teherán Israel Scott Bessent Ángel Colmenares (EFE) Estados Unidos enfrenta alza histórica en precios del diésel A gas station this Tuesday in New York. A gas station this Tuesday in New York. <p>The United States is experiencing its biggest fuel price hike in decades. The world’s largest crude oil exporter is unable to contain the spiraling oil prices triggered <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-16/the-persian-gulf-a-booming-business-for-the-trump-family.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-16/the-persian-gulf-a-booming-business-for-the-trump-family.html">by the Iran war</a>. The Trump administration is desperate to stem this escalation, which is beginning to hit Americans’ wallets with a little more than six months to go before the midterms, where the remainder of Trump’s term hangs on the line. For now, the White House has failed to contain the burgeoning energy crisis despite launching several initiatives to try to cool prices.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-19/trumps-desperate-attempts-to-curb-soaring-oil-prices.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-12/trump-is-obsessed-by-shoes-made-by-a-company-that-sued-him-over-tariffs.html Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:35:35 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-12/trump-is-obsessed-by-shoes-made-by-a-company-that-sued-him-over-tariffs.html Iker Seisdedos García The footwear in question are Oxfords, and the president is constantly giving them away to his inner circle The footwear in question are Oxfords, and the president is constantly giving them away to his inner circle Donald Trump Washington D.C. Davos Scott Bessent Marco Rubio Howard Lutnick The Wall Street Journal Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images) Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, Chris Wright and Steve Witkoff in Davos, January 21. Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, Chris Wright and Steve Witkoff in Davos, January 21. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/K6IJ47RNHJHK7LP3G5BHFVKU5E.jpg?auth=ec4b4b4932147a7fca06f3a12c102af71928fc19482638e1d0c99cd578672ee5" width="5756" height="3837" alt="Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, Chris Wright and Steve Witkoff in Davos, January 21."></img><p>Fashion isn’t usually a topic of conversation in Washington, a city as obsessed with politics and power as it is uninterested in clothing as a vehicle for personal expression. This week, the exception came in the form of a pair of shoes that U.S. President <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-08/law-of-the-jungle-how-the-actions-of-trump-putin-and-netanyahu-are-weakening-the-rules-based-order.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-08/law-of-the-jungle-how-the-actions-of-trump-putin-and-netanyahu-are-weakening-the-rules-based-order.html">Donald Trump</a> is fascinated by.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-12/trump-is-obsessed-by-shoes-made-by-a-company-that-sued-him-over-tariffs.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-24/selling-us-debt-europes-difficult-weapon-against-trump.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-24/selling-us-debt-europes-difficult-weapon-against-trump.html Nuria Salobral Investors have indeed begun to reduce their exposure to the US on their own initiative Investors have indeed begun to reduce their exposure to the US on their own initiative Donald Trump Wall Street Scott Bessent Davos Denis Balibouse (REUTERS) 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026. <p>On Tuesday at the Davos forum, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ridiculed the idea that Europe might retaliate against Donald Trump’s <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/how-trump-can-take-greenland-the-easy-way-or-the-hard-way.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/how-trump-can-take-greenland-the-easy-way-or-the-hard-way.html">expansionist ambitions in Greenland</a> by selling U.S. sovereign bonds. He said the notion “defies any logic,” although the market seems to have taken note of the possibility, triggering a selling wave that exposes the vulnerabilities of the world’s largest economy: its high debt and the imbalance of its public accounts. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-24/selling-us-debt-europes-difficult-weapon-against-trump.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-20/the-us-europe-standoff-reaches-davos-set-to-hold-a-critical-meeting-on-greenland.html Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:30:13 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-20/the-us-europe-standoff-reaches-davos-set-to-hold-a-critical-meeting-on-greenland.html Andrea Rizzi The World Economic Forum celebrates its traditional annual meeting, marked by the transatlantic crisis and the assault on free trade and international institutions The World Economic Forum celebrates its traditional annual meeting, marked by the transatlantic crisis and the assault on free trade and international institutions Davos Donald Trump Nigel Farage Giorgia Meloni Mark Rutte Scott Bessent Ursula von der Leyen Irán Palantir Markus Schreiber (AP) Switzerland Davos U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to the press outside USA House in Davos on Monday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to the press outside USA House in Davos on Monday. <p>The world is witnessing the death of an era, one that was to a large extent embodied and symbolized by the World Economic Forum in Davos. It was a time of free trade, borderless investment, democratic expansion, cosmopolitanism, and alliance among Atlantic democracies. Another era is now taking hold — the antithesis of that one: trade and financial fragmentation, democratic backsliding, nationalism, and a dramatic <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-09/king-of-spain-warns-about-the-risk-of-dismantling-the-link-between-europe-and-the-us.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-09/king-of-spain-warns-about-the-risk-of-dismantling-the-link-between-europe-and-the-us.html">unraveling of the transatlantic relationship</a>. This is the somber backdrop against which the World Economic Forum’s traditional annual conference opens this Tuesday in the Swiss Alpine resort, with a notable turnout of business and political leaders, among them Donald Trump, the figure leading the assault on the old world.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-20/the-us-europe-standoff-reaches-davos-set-to-hold-a-critical-meeting-on-greenland.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/the-prospect-of-a-trump-aligned-fed-chair-is-rattling-the-markets.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:40:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/the-prospect-of-a-trump-aligned-fed-chair-is-rattling-the-markets.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno,Laura Salces Acebes Kevin Hassett, the US president’s chief economic adviser, is the most likely candidate. Fund managers fear political interference at the Fed Kevin Hassett, the US president’s chief economic adviser, is the most likely candidate. Fund managers fear political interference at the Fed Jerome Powell Donald Trump Washington D.C. Scott Bessent Brian Snyder (REUTERS) Trump-aligned Fed chair Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, flanks Donald Trump in the Oval Office alongside Scott Bessent. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, flanks Donald Trump in the Oval Office alongside Scott Bessent. <p>A mere smile from Donald Trump is enough to unsettle investors. The U.S. president admitted last week that he had narrowed the list of contenders to replace Jerome Powell as the next Federal Reserve chair down to a single candidate. Although he will delay the official appointment until after the holiday season, the Republican president flashed a slight smile when reporters asked whether he had chosen Kevin Hassett, director of the National Council of Economic Advisers and one of his top advisers.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/the-prospect-of-a-trump-aligned-fed-chair-is-rattling-the-markets.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/us-cracks-down-on-mexican-remittances-over-alleged-money-laundering.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:12:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/us-cracks-down-on-mexican-remittances-over-alleged-money-laundering.html Karina Suárez Rodríguez The Treasury Department is urging money transfer companies to increase their oversight of international transfers, while the Mexican government denies they are a channel for illicit activity The Treasury Department is urging money transfer companies to increase their oversight of international transfers, while the Mexican government denies they are a channel for illicit activity México Donald Trump Washington D.C. Scott Bessent Joe Raedle (Getty Images) US targets Mexican remittances Migrant sends money via Western Union, in a file photo. Migrant sends money via Western Union, in a file photo. <p>The shadow of money laundering looms over more than<a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-01-08/the-many-faces-behind-remittances-every-week-i-sent-them-money-so-that-they-could-eat-what-we-were-not-able-to.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-01-08/the-many-faces-behind-remittances-every-week-i-sent-them-money-so-that-they-could-eat-what-we-were-not-able-to.html"> $51 billion in remittances</a> that cross from the United States to Mexico. Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert to money transfer companies — such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly — urging them to monitor the origins of cross-border transfers.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-12-08/us-cracks-down-on-mexican-remittances-over-alleged-money-laundering.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-12-03/the-united-states-imposes-new-sanctions-related-to-venezuela.html Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:15:20 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-12-03/the-united-states-imposes-new-sanctions-related-to-venezuela.html Iker Seisdedos García The Treasury Secretary is targeting individuals it accuses of having ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, including the singer Rosita The Treasury Secretary is targeting individuals it accuses of having ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, including the singer Rosita Scott Bessent Donald Trump Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Evan Vucci (AP) Trump U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the White House this week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the White House this week. <p>The U.S. Treasury Department announced a new round of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-23/carlos-blanco-change-in-venezuela-is-inevitable-like-the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-23/carlos-blanco-change-in-venezuela-is-inevitable-like-the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall.html">sanctions related to Venezuela</a> on Wednesday. Details of these sanctions were published on the official website, accompanied by a message on X. “Today, as part of the Trump administration’s crack down [sic] on international drug trafficking organizations, Treasury has sanctioned key affiliates of the terrorist cartel Tren de Aragua,” <a href="https://x.com/USTreasury/status/1996241552465707031" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://x.com/USTreasury/status/1996241552465707031">the message reads</a>, adding that among those affected by these sanctions is “the entertainer Rosita,” who is described as a “DJ, actress, and a model with millions of social media followers.” She is included in a group of people allegedly “involved in holding drug-fueled parties to benefit” the Venezuelan-based criminal organization.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-12-03/the-united-states-imposes-new-sanctions-related-to-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-11-25/trumps-chaotic-tariff-policy-is-shifting-the-balance-of-global-trade.html Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:38:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-11-25/trumps-chaotic-tariff-policy-is-shifting-the-balance-of-global-trade.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno A Yale University study reveals that duties are the highest they have been since the start of World War II, despite recent cuts A Yale University study reveals that duties are the highest they have been since the start of World War II, despite recent cuts Donald Trump Zohran Mamdani Scott Bessent China Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS) Trump’s tariff policy Donald Trump greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last August after signing the trade agreement. Donald Trump greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last August after signing the trade agreement. <p>The world is paying more for global trade than it did a year ago. Exchanges are becoming more expensive. The trade policy of U.S. President Donald Trump has upended the commercial relationships that countries spent decades building through layers of diplomacy. The so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that Trump imposed broadly on the famous April 2 of this year are still evolving. The crude chart he presented to the world on the day the president dubbed “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-11-08/promises-made-promises-kept-between-illusion-and-reality-trump-forges-ahead-with-his-authoritarian-project.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-11-08/promises-made-promises-kept-between-illusion-and-reality-trump-forges-ahead-with-his-authoritarian-project.html">Liberation Day</a>” became obsolete within just a few months.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-11-25/trumps-chaotic-tariff-policy-is-shifting-the-balance-of-global-trade.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-18/3000-tons-of-cocaine-the-controversial-figure-that-pits-colombia-against-the-united-nations.html Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:42:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-18/3000-tons-of-cocaine-the-controversial-figure-that-pits-colombia-against-the-united-nations.html María Martín ,Sebastián Forero Rueda An EL PAÍS exclusive reveals the hidden figure that symbolizes the failure of the world’s largest producer to accurately measure its own production An EL PAÍS exclusive reveals the hidden figure that symbolizes the failure of the world’s largest producer to accurately measure its own production Colombia Gustavo Petro Scott Bessent Donald Trump Bogotá Anadolu (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Cocaine Colombia Cocaine laboratory seized by the Colombian army, in El Decio, Nariño, in November 2021. Cocaine laboratory seized by the Colombian army, in El Decio, Nariño, in November 2021. <p>The world’s largest <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-13/drug-traffickers-profit-from-end-of-intelligence-cooperation-between-colombia-and-the-us.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-13/drug-traffickers-profit-from-end-of-intelligence-cooperation-between-colombia-and-the-us.html">producer and exporter of cocaine</a> doesn’t know its own production. The figure exists, but no one can vouch for its accuracy. After nearly 20 years using the same methodology, Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced its inaccuracy and decided not to release the numbers. The cocaine production figure, which has continued to rise, became a state secret. After weeks of tension between the Colombian government and the United Nations, <a href="https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2025/WDR25_B1_Key_findings.pdf" target="_self" rel="" title="https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2025/WDR25_B1_Key_findings.pdf">the agency responsible for these measurements</a> until now, EL PAÍS reveals this secret figure: 3,001 tons of cocaine were potentially produced in 2024. Four dubious digits that summarize a huge problem: Colombia lacks a reliable method for measuring one of the world’s most profitable illegal businesses. And without accurate information, it’s difficult to assess the effectiveness of its anti-drug policies.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-18/3000-tons-of-cocaine-the-controversial-figure-that-pits-colombia-against-the-united-nations.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-22/argentinas-peso-slumps-despite-trumps-financial-aid-for-milei.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:38:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-22/argentinas-peso-slumps-despite-trumps-financial-aid-for-milei.html Javier Lorca Economic instability deepens and demand for dollars grows, five days before key legislative midterm elections Economic instability deepens and demand for dollars grows, five days before key legislative midterm elections Argentina Javier Milei Donald Trump Buenos Aires Scott Bessent Juan Ignacio Roncoroni (EFE) La firma del 'swap' con EE.UU. no frena la urgencia de los argentinos por comprar dólares Part of the US aid for Argentina is in the form of a loan. Part of the US aid for Argentina is in the form of a loan. <p>Not even the support of the dollar manufacturer has managed to quell the demand for greenbacks in Argentina and the resulting depreciation of the peso. Donald Trump’s <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-29/trumps-lifeline-to-milei-a-bailout-hanging-by-a-thread.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-29/trumps-lifeline-to-milei-a-bailout-hanging-by-a-thread.html">announcement of economic aid</a> for his ally Javier Milei includes a $20 billion currency swap, a line of credit through private banks worth another $20 billion, and the repeated intervention of the United States Treasury in the Argentine foreign exchange market. But none of this, including the multiple measures taken by the South American country’s government, has managed to stabilize the financial market five days before Argentina holds midterm elections.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-22/argentinas-peso-slumps-despite-trumps-financial-aid-for-milei.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2025-10-17/artificial-intelligence-and-digital-extractivism-who-benefits-from-data-centers-in-latin-america.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:57:59 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2025-10-17/artificial-intelligence-and-digital-extractivism-who-benefits-from-data-centers-in-latin-america.html Natalia Zuazo OpenAI has announced the construction of a mega data center in Argentina, the latest of its kind in the region. Governments should demand local participation and reinvestment terms that promise more than free access to ChatGPT OpenAI has announced the construction of a mega data center in Argentina, the latest of its kind in the region. Governments should demand local participation and reinvestment terms that promise more than free access to ChatGPT Argentina ChatGPT Chile Arizona Aragón Javier Milei Sam Altman Scott Bessent Donald Trump OpenAI Google Oracle Softbank Chris Jung (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, at a conference in South Korea, February 2025. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, at a conference in South Korea, February 2025. <p>In July of this year, I flew 11,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires to take a course on artificial intelligence policy and law at the University of Leuven in Belgium, a vast neo-Gothic structure founded in 1425 where today, across its various campuses, 57,000 students study a wide variety of disciplines. Halfway through the class, the lecturer divided us into groups and gave us the assignment for a group exam: “The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-01/where-do-the-clothes-go-after-we-put-them-in-a-recycling-bin-an-11-month-investigation-covering-thousands-of-kilometers.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-01/where-do-the-clothes-go-after-we-put-them-in-a-recycling-bin-an-11-month-investigation-covering-thousands-of-kilometers.html">environmental footprint</a> is overrated.” And I panicked. But there I was, faced with a classic and effective academic exercise: supporting a position with arguments, even if they aren’t your own.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/women-leaders-of-latin-america/2025-10-17/artificial-intelligence-and-digital-extractivism-who-benefits-from-data-centers-in-latin-america.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-08/delay-in-us-financial-support-for-argentina-rattles-markets.html Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:36:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-08/delay-in-us-financial-support-for-argentina-rattles-markets.html Federico Rivas Molina Javier Milei’s government has spent about $2.5 billion in just over two weeks to prop up the peso Javier Milei’s government has spent about $2.5 billion in just over two weeks to prop up the peso Javier Miguel Argentina Donald Trump Scott Bessent Washington D.C. Luis Caputo Evan Vucci (AP) directo Javier Milei and Donald Trump in New York on September 23, 2025. Javier Milei and Donald Trump in New York on September 23, 2025. <p>Argentina’s <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-29/luis-caputo-mileis-financial-wizard-is-losing-credibility.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-29/luis-caputo-mileis-financial-wizard-is-losing-credibility.html">Economy Minister Luis Caputo</a> traveled to Washington over the weekend to accelerate the financial bailout that U.S. President Donald Trump had promised to his Argentine counterpart Javier Milei. Markets had been expecting news last Sunday night, before trading opened, but the first announcement didn’t come until Monday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the negotiations, posted a message on Monday welcoming Caputo and anticipating “productive discussions on the several options” to support Argentina. He shared a photo with Caputo but offered no further details. On Tuesday, there was total silence — <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-29/trumps-lifeline-to-milei-a-bailout-hanging-by-a-thread.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-29/trumps-lifeline-to-milei-a-bailout-hanging-by-a-thread.html">not even a hint of commitment</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-10-08/delay-in-us-financial-support-for-argentina-rattles-markets.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-27/mileis-chainsaw-stalls-will-argentinas-economic-miracle-turn-into-a-nightmare.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-27/mileis-chainsaw-stalls-will-argentinas-economic-miracle-turn-into-a-nightmare.html Mar Centenera ,Federico Rivas Molina With interest rates soaring and reserves in the red, Argentina’s far-right president is finding it increasingly difficult to keep his fiscal adjustment afloat. He is hoping a recent pledge from the White House will save him from the abyss With interest rates soaring and reserves in the red, Argentina’s far-right president is finding it increasingly difficult to keep his fiscal adjustment afloat. He is hoping a recent pledge from the White House will save him from the abyss Argentina Javier Milei Rio Tinto Group Scott Bessent JUAN MABROMATA (AFP / Getty Images) (EL PAÍS) NEGOCIOS 21/09/2025 COVER A vandalized poster of the ruling La Libertad Avanza party featuring Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, August 27. A vandalized poster of the ruling La Libertad Avanza party featuring Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, August 27. <p>“The world is talking about Argentina’s economic miracle!” Javier Milei exclaimed in August of last year before a hundred businesspeople gathered at the Council of the Americas conference in Buenos Aires. “Everyone sees it, except the Argentines,” he immediately lamented, aware of his audience’s skepticism, since they were cautious about committing their investments. The far-right leader had been president of Argentina for eight months and boasted of having launched “the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-10-20/milei-is-taking-a-chainsaw-to-the-argentine-state.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-10-20/milei-is-taking-a-chainsaw-to-the-argentine-state.html">largest fiscal adjustment</a> in the history of humanity.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-27/mileis-chainsaw-stalls-will-argentinas-economic-miracle-turn-into-a-nightmare.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-24/us-negotiates-20-billion-bailout-and-debt-purchase-with-argentina.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:31:52 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-24/us-negotiates-20-billion-bailout-and-debt-purchase-with-argentina.html Federico Rivas Molina Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns ‘speculators’ that Trump ‘has given President Milei a rare endorsement of a foreign official’ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns ‘speculators’ that Trump ‘has given President Milei a rare endorsement of a foreign official’ Argentina Washington D.C. Donald Trump Javier Milei Scott Bessent Luis Caputo Alexander Drago (REUTERS) Donald Trump and Javier Milei at the UN General Assembly in New York. Donald Trump and Javier Milei at the UN General Assembly in New York. <p>Any doubts about the extent of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-22/us-announces-it-will-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-support-argentina.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-22/us-announces-it-will-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-support-argentina.html">support the United States has decided to provide Argentina</a> were dispelled Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced before the markets opened that the White House is negotiating with the government of Javier Milei over a $20 billion currency swap to strengthen the Central Bank’s reserves, the purchase of Argentine debt bonds, and a “significant stand-by credit via the Exchange Stabilization Fund,” the amount of which was not specified. “Argentina has the tools to defeat speculators, including those who seek to destabilize Argentina’s markets for political objectives,” Bessent wrote on social media, implying that Washington could react if the attacks suffered by the South American country’s peso and bonds last week are repeated.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-24/us-negotiates-20-billion-bailout-and-debt-purchase-with-argentina.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-22/us-announces-it-will-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-support-argentina.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:02:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-22/us-announces-it-will-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-support-argentina.html Javier Lorca Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he is negotiating an economic bailout for Javier Milei amid market pressure against the far-right leader’s plan Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he is negotiating an economic bailout for Javier Milei amid market pressure against the far-right leader’s plan Argentina Javier Milei Donald Trump Scott Bessent Washington D.C. Tomas Cuesta (Getty Images) Javier Milei on July 26 in Buenos Aires. Javier Milei on July 26 in Buenos Aires. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-11-13/trump-tells-milei-you-are-my-favorite-president-in-first-call-since-us-election.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-11-13/trump-tells-milei-you-are-my-favorite-president-in-first-call-since-us-election.html">Javier Milei’s unconditional support for Donald Trump</a> is beginning to bear fruit. At a time when the Argentine president is going through his weakest moment politically and his economic plan is faltering, the Republican administration of the United States announced that it “is willing to do whatever is necessary within its mandate to support Argentina.” This support, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained, could take the form of a currency swap, the purchase of foreign currency, or the purchase of Argentine debt denominated in dollars. A Trump bailout would bolster Milei’s hopes of stabilizing the South American country’s currency, reassuring the financial markets and improving his prospects for the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-08/milei-suffers-heavy-defeat-in-buenos-aires-legislative-elections.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-08/milei-suffers-heavy-defeat-in-buenos-aires-legislative-elections.html">October 26 legislative elections</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-22/us-announces-it-will-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-support-argentina.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-03/ices-1000-a-day-fines-pressure-immigrants-to-self-deport.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:23:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-03/ices-1000-a-day-fines-pressure-immigrants-to-self-deport.html Jordi Alonso Martínez Yañez Retroactive penalties can exceed $1 million if people have been in the United States for a long time. Critics argue the strategy is more akin to intimidation than justice Retroactive penalties can exceed $1 million if people have been in the United States for a long time. Critics argue the strategy is more akin to intimidation than justice ICE Donald Trump Kristi Noem Scott Bessent OLGA FEDOROVA (EFE) ICE’s fines A protest outside an ICE facility in New York in May. A protest outside an ICE facility in New York in May. <p>The Trump administration has launched an initiative to collect more than $6 billion in fines from immigrants who have remained in the country despite <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-27/ice-adopts-new-measures-to-meet-trump-administration-goals.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-27/ice-adopts-new-measures-to-meet-trump-administration-goals.html">receiving deportation orders</a>. These fines, issued under the president’s new immigration policy, represent a financial expansion of immigration enforcement beyond deportations.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-03/ices-1000-a-day-fines-pressure-immigrants-to-self-deport.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-18/trump-declares-himself-the-ceo-of-the-us-and-raises-business-investment-to-nearly-4-trillion.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:40:04 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-18/trump-declares-himself-the-ceo-of-the-us-and-raises-business-investment-to-nearly-4-trillion.html Alex Medina The president is applying the same strategy of threats and blackmail with major corporations as he did during the trade war The president is applying the same strategy of threats and blackmail with major corporations as he did during the trade war Donald Trump Nvidia Corporation Apple Amazon Scott Bessent ADM China OpenAI Coca-Cola Oracle Softbank Tim Cook Matthew Hatcher (GEtty) Negocios 01/10/23 Donald Trump President Donald Trump at a campaign rally. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally. <p>The office of president of the United States entails being the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, among many other responsibilities. For <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-28/big-tech-takes-advantage-of-trumps-whims.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-28/big-tech-takes-advantage-of-trumps-whims.html">Donald Trump</a> — his whole life an aggressive and ambitious businessman before becoming a politician — that is not enough, and he has begun to adopt the manners and responsibilities that in the corporate world are assigned to CEOs.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-18/trump-declares-himself-the-ceo-of-the-us-and-raises-business-investment-to-nearly-4-trillion.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-08-05/trump-increases-his-control-over-economic-data-after-firing-the-head-of-labor-statistics.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:42:51 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-08-05/trump-increases-his-control-over-economic-data-after-firing-the-head-of-labor-statistics.html María Antonia Sánchez-Vallejo Cobo With his replacement, and that of the Fed governor whose resignation paves the way for Powell’s succession, the US president could consolidate his economic agenda for the remainder of his term With his replacement, and that of the Fed governor whose resignation paves the way for Powell’s succession, the US president could consolidate his economic agenda for the remainder of his term Donald Trump Jerome Powell NBC Scott Bessent Carlos Barria (REUTERS) FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Jerome Powell, his nominee at the time to lead the Fed, moves to the podium at the White House President Donald Trump and Jerome Powell, in November 2017 at the White House. President Donald Trump and Jerome Powell, in November 2017 at the White House. <p>US President Donald Trump has two prime opportunities to intervene in the country’s economic policy: the appointments of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which compiles employment data, and the replacement for Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler. The first, Erika McEntarfer, was abruptly fired on Friday due to <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-07-12/fear-at-the-day-labor-spot-the-migrant-workers-struggling-to-find-jobs-outside-a-home-depot.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-07-12/fear-at-the-day-labor-spot-the-migrant-workers-struggling-to-find-jobs-outside-a-home-depot.html">poor employment data</a> for July; the second resigned that same day.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-08-05/trump-increases-his-control-over-economic-data-after-firing-the-head-of-labor-statistics.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-23/eu-prepares-for-worst-case-scenario-in-trade-war-with-trump.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:16:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-23/eu-prepares-for-worst-case-scenario-in-trade-war-with-trump.html Manuel Vicente Gómez Gómez,Iker Seisdedos García The weariness of European capitals with Washington’s posturing is strengthening Brussels’ search for answers during the final stages of negotiations The weariness of European capitals with Washington’s posturing is strengthening Brussels’ search for answers during the final stages of negotiations Washington D.C. Donald Trump Maros Sefcovic Scott Bessent Ursula von der Leyen Berlin Emmanuel Macron Friedrich Merz ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN (EFE) Containers in the port of Rotterdam, July 21. Containers in the port of Rotterdam, July 21. <p>As the days pass and August 1 approaches — the deadline set by <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-23/trump-threatens-the-european-union-with-50-tariffs-starting-june-1.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-23/trump-threatens-the-european-union-with-50-tariffs-starting-june-1.html">U.S. President Donald Trump</a> for trade negotiations — the EU is growing weary of Washington’s negotiating methods. The latest news from talks among member states does not exactly point to an agreement. “There is a growing consensus that the situation is unsatisfactory,” European diplomatic sources state, in the belief that preparations for potential failure must be accelerated. Other delegations and institutions point to similar sentiments. This translates into the need to prepare for the additional tariffs already in the pipeline — levies on U.S. products worth some €92 billion ($108 billion) — and to move on to finalizing additional countermeasures, such as taxing trade in services, which would trigger the anti-coercion mechanism.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-23/eu-prepares-for-worst-case-scenario-in-trade-war-with-trump.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-21/trump-vs-too-late-powell-anatomy-of-the-campaign-to-harass-and-take-down-the-fed-chairman.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:33:06 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-21/trump-vs-too-late-powell-anatomy-of-the-campaign-to-harass-and-take-down-the-fed-chairman.html Iker Seisdedos García The Republican president’s fixation on getting rid of Jerome Powell early and drastically lowering interest rates is putting the US economy at risk The Republican president’s fixation on getting rid of Jerome Powell early and drastically lowering interest rates is putting the US economy at risk Jerome Powell Donald Trump Wall Street Washington D.C. Janet Yellen Barack Obama Joseph Biden Scott Bessent Drew Angerer (Getty Images) Donald Trump with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in 2017. Donald Trump with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in 2017. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/OBLWVIHYRBFMNAOUDMFPRZIV7Q.jpg?auth=1ecd16e538ee6702ea58e9ef57a2f7dae4f99e9d554fc5556700dd11114a2408" width="2657" height="1771" alt="Donald Trump with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in 2017."></img><p>It must be frustrating for someone like Donald Trump, who owes much of his fame and fortune to the phrase “You’re fired!” to be unable to fire an employee he’s dissatisfied with. That employee is named Jerome H. Powell. And Trump has been trying to remove him from the Federal Reserve for months because of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-18/federal-reserve-maintains-rates-and-expects-only-two-cuts-this-year-despite-pressure-from-trump.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-18/federal-reserve-maintains-rates-and-expects-only-two-cuts-this-year-despite-pressure-from-trump.html">his refusal to lower interest rates.</a></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-21/trump-vs-too-late-powell-anatomy-of-the-campaign-to-harass-and-take-down-the-fed-chairman.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-07/the-global-economy-teeters-on-the-brink-as-trumps-tariff-deadline-looms.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:12:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-07/the-global-economy-teeters-on-the-brink-as-trumps-tariff-deadline-looms.html Iker Seisdedos García,Manuel Vicente Gómez Gómez Uncertainty and a rush to negotiate are defining the end of the 90-day pause, which expires Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says countries that fail to reach an agreement by August 1 will ‘boomerang’ back to ‘Liberation Day’ rates Uncertainty and a rush to negotiate are defining the end of the 90-day pause, which expires Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says countries that fail to reach an agreement by August 1 will ‘boomerang’ back to ‘Liberation Day’ rates Donald Trump Washington D.C. Scott Bessent Howard Lutnick China Ursula von der Leyen Elizabeth Frantz (REUTERS) Trump’s tariff deadline looms From left, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. From left, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. <p>On April 9, the United States gave its dozens of trading partners 90 days to reach agreements that would be satisfactory to President Donald Trump’s ambitions of imposing a protectionist regime <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-02-04/who-do-tariffs-affect-how-do-they-work-trumps-tariffs-explained-in-charts.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-02-04/who-do-tariffs-affect-how-do-they-work-trumps-tariffs-explained-in-charts.html">based on tariffs</a> and unseen in decades. Eighty-eight days have elapsed, and Washington has only signed two agreements (or tentative agreements), with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and a truce with China.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-07-07/the-global-economy-teeters-on-the-brink-as-trumps-tariff-deadline-looms.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MGTFAEX2LZHA7IP2RBVFJVY5W4.jpg?auth=48a06cea8497171741b2ea6aefcb5ee15e644e5ffa0948c292b50f70fd744b74" width="4326" height="2884" alt="The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen."></img> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-18/federal-reserve-maintains-rates-and-expects-only-two-cuts-this-year-despite-pressure-from-trump.html Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:20:42 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-18/federal-reserve-maintains-rates-and-expects-only-two-cuts-this-year-despite-pressure-from-trump.html Miguel Jiménez Cabeza The US central bank extends the pause as the Republican calls its chair, Jerome Powell, ‘stupid’ The US central bank extends the pause as the Republican calls its chair, Jerome Powell, ‘stupid’ Donald Trump Jerome Powell Washington D.C. Israel Irán Scott Bessent Jacquelyn Martin (AP) Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. <p>Not two percentage points, as Donald Trump demanded; not one, not half a percentage point, not a quarter of a percentage point. As expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided Wednesday to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.5% despite constant pressure from the Republican president, who shows little respect for the central bank’s independence. In addition, Fed officials have updated their projections for the U.S. economy, predicting lower growth, higher inflation, and only a 0.5 percentage point rate cut through the end of the year, possibly in two 0.25% point cuts, although this was not specified.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-06-18/federal-reserve-maintains-rates-and-expects-only-two-cuts-this-year-despite-pressure-from-trump.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-04/us-china-tension-escalates-ahead-of-a-possible-call-between-trump-and-xi-jinping.html Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:40:05 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-04/us-china-tension-escalates-ahead-of-a-possible-call-between-trump-and-xi-jinping.html Macarena Vidal Liy The White House says the two leaders might discuss the trade relationship as early as this week, but Beijing remains skeptical The White House says the two leaders might discuss the trade relationship as early as this week, but Beijing remains skeptical China Xi Jinping Donald Trump Washington D.C. Scott Bessent Cyril Ramaphosa Howard Lutnick Zhang Ling (AP) China US Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) welcomes US Ambassador to Beijing David Perdue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) welcomes US Ambassador to Beijing David Perdue. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-05-31/john-bolton-trumps-former-national-security-adviser-what-he-wants-is-the-nobel-peace-prize.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-05-31/john-bolton-trumps-former-national-security-adviser-what-he-wants-is-the-nobel-peace-prize.html">U.S. President Donald Trump</a> has met, spoken, and even played golf with numerous foreign leaders since returning to the White House. But there is one glaring exception on his list: he has yet to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as tensions between the two economic powers escalate in areas ranging from mutual tariffs to defense, and the two governments trade barbs and accusations that threaten the shaky trade truce they reached last month. Now the White House is saying the two will talk very soon, likely this week. But Beijing is much more skeptical. And even if the two leaders do talk, their conversation is unlikely to resolve the deep underlying differences between the two governments.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-04/us-china-tension-escalates-ahead-of-a-possible-call-between-trump-and-xi-jinping.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-13/trump-and-tariffs-the-art-of-backpedaling.html Tue, 13 May 2025 09:52:22 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-13/trump-and-tariffs-the-art-of-backpedaling.html Iker Seisdedos García The agreement with China is further evidence of the erratic trade policy of the US president, who presents the solution to a problem of his own making as a triumph The agreement with China is further evidence of the erratic trade policy of the US president, who presents the solution to a problem of his own making as a triumph Donald Trump Washington D.C. China Scott Bessent Keir Starmer Howard Lutnick Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. <p>In Donald Trump’s lexicon, there are certain words that are repeated so often that they eventually lose their meaning. “Historic” is one of those words. His administration overused it again Monday, calling the agreement reached last weekend in Switzerland between the United States and China — which will bring about a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-12/china-and-the-united-states-reach-deal-to-reduce-tariffs.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-12/china-and-the-united-states-reach-deal-to-reduce-tariffs.html">90-day truce in the trade war</a> that the two powers had engaged in at Trump’s initiative — “historic.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-05-13/trump-and-tariffs-the-art-of-backpedaling.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>