200亿美元“输血”阿根廷，贝森特救米莱，还是救他的对冲基金老朋友？

Core Viewpoint - The $20 billion aid to Argentina from the U.S. Treasury is under scrutiny, with critics suggesting that the real beneficiaries may be hedge funds rather than the Argentine economy itself [1][2]. Group 1: Aid Details - U.S. Treasury Secretary Basant announced the purchase of Argentine pesos in the spot market and finalized a $20 billion currency swap framework with the Argentine central bank to support President Milei's economic reforms [1]. - Critics argue that the aid may primarily benefit hedge funds that heavily invested in Argentine assets after Milei's election, which are now facing losses due to bleak reform prospects [1]. Group 2: Economic Criticism - Economist Paul Krugman criticized the aid as a "scam" aimed at rescuing hedge funds rather than addressing humanitarian needs, highlighting the lack of strategic value in supporting Argentina [2]. - Krugman compared the current situation to Argentina's 2001 financial crisis, suggesting that the aid will not save Milei's failing economic strategy [2][3]. Group 3: Mechanism of Aid - The aid mechanism is described as potentially allowing capital flight, where funds provided to the Argentine government would quickly exit the country as investors take advantage of the artificially supported peso [3]. Group 4: Connections and Conflicts - Basant has close ties with hedge fund managers who stand to benefit from the aid, raising concerns about conflicts of interest [4][5]. - Prior to the announcement, discussions occurred between Basant and hedge fund managers regarding the implications of a potential currency collapse in Argentina [5]. Group 5: Political Reactions - Basant defended the aid as a means to protect U.S. strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere, rejecting claims that it primarily benefits wealthy investors [6]. - Political backlash includes proposed legislation from Democratic senators aimed at preventing the use of U.S. funds for the aid, emphasizing the perception of prioritizing wealthy investors over American citizens [6].