Sewell leads Democratic Members of the House in Raising Concerns Over Use of U.S. Funds, Impact on American Farmers

October 21, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional scrutiny intensified this week as Ranking Member Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), and 54 Democratic colleagues called on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to immediately clarify the Trump Administration's $20 billion bailout of Argentina. At the heart of the controversy are questions about the appropriateness of using U.S. taxpayer dollars to support Argentine President Javier Milei, a close ally of President Trump, ahead of Argentina's upcoming election.

Lawmakers voiced concerns that the bailout may unfairly influence Argentina's election, potentially benefiting Milei's political prospects. They also cited the deal's negative implications for American farmers, especially soybean producers, as well as a potential conflict of interest involving a Trump associate who could profit financially from the arrangement. Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump reportedly suggested that the U.S. would purchase beef from Argentina, a move seen by many as a betrayal of American ranchers.

"President Trump and his administration is once again selling out the American people to help his wealthy friends and political allies," said Rep. Sewell. "Billions of Americans' taxpayer dollars are being sent to support the political prospects of Argentine President Javier Milei while President Trump continues to try to strip away healthcare from millions of working families in the U.S. The American people deserve answers."

The lawmakers' letter to Secretary Bessent highlighted that President Trump has explicitly tied the bailout to the electoral success of Milei's party in the upcoming elections. They argued that the U.S. Treasury's authority to respond to international financial crises should not be leveraged to sway foreign elections, especially when the arrangement appears to offer no clear benefit to the United States.

American farmers have already felt the effects of the administration's trade policies, with China purchasing minimal amounts of U.S. soybeans from May to August this year. As U.S. producers struggle, Brazil has achieved record soybean exports to China, and Argentina stands to gain further advantages following the bailout. Lawmakers stressed the urgent need to restore market access for U.S. farmers, stating, "American farmers need relief. American farmers need restored market access."

The letter was signed by a broad coalition of House Democrats, including Representatives Don Beyer, Brendan Boyle, Salud Carbajal, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, Steve Cohen, Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Dwight Evans, John Garamendi, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Maggie Goodlander, Steven Horsford, Chrissy Houlahan, Jared Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Julie Johnson, Marcy Kaptur, Robin Kelly, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Ro Khanna, John Larson, Mike Levin, Ted Lieu, Stephen Lynch, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, Morgan McGarvey, James McGovern, Grace Meng, Gwen Moore, Jimmy Panetta, Scott Peters, Mike Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Bradley Schneider, Hillary Scholten, Kim Schrier, Brad Sherman, Eric Sorensen, Tom Suozzi, Bennie Thompson, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Norma Torres, and Nikema Williams.

In the letter, the lawmakers condemned both the purchase of an undisclosed amount of Argentine pesos and the $20 billion loan, describing them as efforts to boost Milei's political fortunes. They accused the administration of misusing taxpayer funds, harming American farmers, and engaging in questionable dealings that could benefit Trump associates. The members concluded by urging Secretary Bessent to provide full transparency and accountability regarding the bailout, emphasizing that American interests must not be subordinated to partisan or personal gain abroad.

Reps. Sewell, Sánchez Lead 54 Democrats Demanding Answers on $20 Billion Argentina Bailout