Top aide to Argentina’s Milei resigns amid major corruption scandal
Manuel Adorni, Chief of Staff to President Milei, resigned June 27 amid corruption allegations.
Why it matters: The resignation highlights intersecting legal and political challenges in Argentina, relevant for international law and risk professionals. It signals potential instability in Milei’s government with implications for governance and reform.
- Manuel Adorni resigned June 27, 2026, as Chief of Staff under corruption investigation.
- Allegations include illicit enrichment, undeclared $500,000 in crypto savings, luxury spending.
- 80% of Argentinians demanded his resignation amid scandals starting March 2026.
- Diego Santilli appointed new Chief of Staff to stabilize Milei's administration.
Manuel Adorni, Chief of Staff to Argentine President Javier Milei, stepped down on June 27, 2026, following federal investigations into illicit enrichment. The probe revealed that Adorni concealed $500,000 in cryptocurrency-derived savings and made luxury purchases inconsistent with his government salary, including $250,000 in cash renovations and $4,500 in electronics charged to employees' credit cards. These revelations intensified after reports in March 2026 showed his wife accompanying an official delegation to the U.S., sparking further scrutiny.
Adorni acknowledged buying dollars on the black market and defended the origins of his funds but ultimately cited emotional strain from relentless media pressure in his resignation letter, stating, "I leave peacefully and serenely, but above all, with a clear conscience." Despite President Milei's initial defense of Adorni's innocence, his departure is viewed as a significant blow to the libertarian government's credibility and legislative agenda.
Public opinion strongly favored Adorni's exit, with 80% of Argentinians calling for his resignation amid the scandal. To regain momentum, President Milei swiftly appointed Diego Santilli, former Interior Minister, as the new Chief of Staff. The government aims to close this crisis chapter and restore public trust.
This episode underscores the vulnerability of Milei's administration to corruption allegations despite its anti-corruption platform. For legal professionals and risk advisors, it illustrates the complex intersection of legal scrutiny and political stability in emerging governments.
By the numbers:
- $500,000 — undeclared savings linked to cryptocurrency investments
- $250,000 — cash spent on home renovations by Adorni
- 80% — Argentinians demanding Adorni's resignation amid scandal
Yes, but: While Adorni claims a clear conscience and origins for funds in cryptocurrency, investigations remain ongoing, and full details of the federal probe have yet to be disclosed.
What's next: President Milei's administration faces critical tests as it attempts to regain public confidence and advance its legislative agenda under new Chief of Staff Diego Santilli.