Milei's Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Wealth Scandal

Manuel Adorni has stepped down as chief of staff for Argentine President Javier Milei, ending a tumultuous three-and-a-half-month tenure marked by a scandal over his rapidly increasing wealth. The resignation came just before Argentina's World Cup match against Jordan, a timing Adorni himself noted, mirroring his previous public statements made before significant national events.

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Thank you for your trust, Mr. President. It has been a true honor.

In a letter addressed to Milei, Adorni expressed gratitude for the president's understanding and acceptance of his resignation, stating it was the first time he had acted against Milei's wishes. He cited intense media scrutiny and alleged "operations" against him and his family as the primary reasons for his departure. Adorni detailed a barrage of accusations, including claims of non-existent trips, extravagant spending, false contracts involving his wife, luxury assets, and even a supposed "pendrive full of dollars."

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Thank you for understanding the reasons and understanding me: for the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes. Thank you for accepting my resignation this time.

Adorni vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was falsely labeled a criminal and corrupt individual despite no evidence of corruption. He lamented the intrusion into his personal life, claiming the media targeted his wife, children, friends, and even neighbors. The outgoing official accused the press of conflating public and private matters, inventing affairs, children, and divorces, and suggesting he paid millions to silence negative coverage.

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The endless media attacks I have endured have led me to ask you to accompany me this time, to close this cycle in order to protect myself and my family.

His departure follows a period of internal tension within the ruling party and amid ongoing investigations into his financial dealings. The timing of the announcement, released publicly on the same day as the World Cup opening ceremony and just before a key match, drew attention, with Adorni's resignation letter published on social media and retweeted by Milei.

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The media operations have gone to the extreme, not only against me, but against my wife, my young children, my friends, my family, and even my neighbors and acquaintances.