Date: June 28, 2026 l Reporter: James Twins
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina's Cabinet Chief, Manuel Adorni, has resigned following mounting corruption allegations involving his personal finances and spending, delivering a significant political setback to President Javier Milei's administration.
Adorni, one of President Milei's closest allies and a central figure in the government's communications strategy, announced his resignation on Saturday in a letter addressed to the president and later shared publicly on social media. He said the decision went against Milei's wishes but was necessary as investigations into his financial affairs continue.
In his resignation letter, Adorni maintained his innocence, stating that he was leaving office with a "clear conscience" and expressing confidence that he would clear his name through the legal process. He thanked President Milei for his trust and support during his time in government.
The resignation follows weeks of scrutiny over allegations of illicit enrichment. Investigators are examining whether Adorni's reported spending—including luxury family vacations, a first-class holiday to Aruba during the Christmas period, and travel aboard a private jet to Uruguay during Carnival—was consistent with his declared income as a public official.
The controversy intensified after Adorni acknowledged that he had failed to declare approximately $500,000 in personal savings in previous financial disclosure forms. He later amended his declarations, insisting the funds had been acquired legally before entering government service and denying any wrongdoing.
President Javier Milei had previously defended Adorni, repeatedly stating that his cabinet chief should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise and resisting calls for his dismissal. Despite that support, Adorni said stepping down was in the best interest of the administration as the investigation proceeds.
Adorni was appointed Cabinet Chief in November 2025 after serving as President Milei's spokesperson since the libertarian leader assumed office in late 2023. During his tenure, he became one of the administration's most recognizable public figures, regularly defending the government's economic reforms and austerity measures.
His departure comes at a politically sensitive time for the Milei administration, which has faced growing criticism over corruption allegations involving senior officials alongside declining public approval ratings. The government has not yet announced who will replace Adorni as Cabinet Chief.