Argentina’s President Milei Escorted Away as Protesters Hurl Objects at Vehicle

Argentine President Javier Milei was swiftly evacuated from a campaign stop in Buenos Aires province on Wednesday after his vehicle was struck by rocks and other objects thrown by protesters.
He had been standing in the back of a moving pickup truck alongside his sister Karina Milei, who is also his chief of staff, and members of his security team while promoting his agenda ahead of upcoming local and midterm elections. The situation escalated when individuals in the crowd began launching projectiles, with at least one rock hitting the hood of the truck and other items flying over the president’s head.
The vehicle quickly drove away as the crowd shouted anti-government chants, including “Get out, Milei.” Tensions flared further as scuffles reportedly broke out among people in the crowd.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni later commented on X that opposition members had “attacked” the presidential caravan, adding that there were no reported injuries.
After the incident, Milei shared a photo online giving a thumbs-up, flanked by Karina and a congressman, captioned with criticism of the opposition: “throws stones empty of ideas, turning once again to violence.”
The confrontation comes as the president faces a growing scandal involving several close aides, including his sister. Allegations of bribery tied to Argentina’s disability agency have prompted a criminal investigation.
Recently, authorities raided several properties connected to a suspected kickback scheme involving Diego Spagnuolo, the former head of the agency. Local media outlets released audio recordings in which a voice resembling Spagnuolo’s is heard discussing illicit payments and referencing Karina Milei.
The government responded by firing Spagnuolo last week, calling the decision a “preventive measure.”
At Wednesday’s event, Milei addressed the matter publicly for the first time. Speaking to reporters, he criticized Spagnuolo:

“Everything he says is a lie. We’re going to take him to court and prove he lied,” he said.

Since taking office, Milei has imposed aggressive spending cuts in an effort to reduce inflation and attract international investment. However, his austerity program—dubbed the “chainsaw” approach—has slashed funding to key public services and sparked public backlash. Recent polling shows declining support, with one survey recording a six-point rise in his negative approval rating, reaching 54.2% in August.
The upcoming elections—scheduled for September 7 in Buenos Aires province and October 26 nationally—are seen as critical moments for Milei to strengthen his political standing and push forward with his economic reforms despite resistance from opposition forces.