BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Argentina's radical libertarian president, Javier Milei, blocked accredited reporters from entering the government's headquarters and took to social media, in all caps, to insult the country's news media as "filthy scum that claims to be journalists."
He even posted an AI-generated image that showed a local TV journalist in an orange prison jumpsuit.
Milei's decision last week to remove all journalists from the Casa Rosada, Argentina's version of the White House, is the latest step in his ongoing campaign against the media. This approach has become a key feature of his time in power, similar to that of his ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.
"It's the culmination of the government's contempt for journalism and its value in a democracy," said Fernando Stanich, president of the Argentine Journalism Forum.
In a country known for its strong and free media, rights groups and politicians from different parties criticized the move. They said it was the most serious attack on the press since the military dictatorship ended in 1983.
"Argentina is still a democracy, but these are the actions of an autocrat," said Cristina Zahar of the Committee to Protect Journalists. "An autocrat who tries to curtail press freedoms, who tries to prevent journalists from reporting and keeping society informed about public interest matters."
Milei's spokesperson, Javier Lanari, said the government restricted press access "as a preventative measure" after a TV channel showed footage recorded inside the Casa Rosada using smart glasses, reportedly without permission.
Lanari added that security officials are taking legal action against the Todo Noticias network, accusing it of "illegal espionage." He did not give further details.
However, journalist Luciana Geuna from Todo Noticias said on her show that they had informed press officials in advance. She also said the footage only showed areas of the building that were easy to access and had already been shown on TV.
During his 2023 election campaign, Milei's bold and provocative style helped him stand out as an outsider. He was often compared to Donald Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and he won support with promises to cut government spending.
Two years later, instead of softening his tone, Milei has increased his attacks on the media.
In just four days this month, he posted 86 messages on X mocking and insulting journalists, according to La Nación. He also shared 874 similar posts, including one suggesting the press should be labeled a terrorist organization and others with sexual undertones.
Many of his posts include his slogan, "We don't hate journalists enough," and repeat his claim that 95 percent of journalists are criminals. He often targets specific reporters, calling them names like "dirty operative" and "human garbage."
When the government removed press credentials from about 60 reporters covering the Casa Rosada, Milei posted: "Disgusting scum, how about you try stopping the lies?" He added, "Oh, I forgot, you lot are corrupt junkies hooked on advertising bucks and bribes."
On April 27, he continued posting, sharing more than two dozen messages before noon. He said journalists had "lost all credibility" and argued there was no need for them at the Casa Rosada since they only "ask stupid questions" and the government could communicate everything through social media.
