Javier Milei, Argentina’s president, has been accused of plagiarizing portions of his speech at the United Nations (UN) from the hit US political drama series, The West Wing. According to the Buenos Aires Herald, Carlos Pagni, a journalist with La Nacion, was the first to notice the “remarkable resemblance” between parts of Milei’s address and a monologue delivered by fictional US President Jed Bartlet, portrayed by actor Martin Sheen.
Milei told the UN General Assembly on September 24 that Argentina believes in freedom of expression for all, worship for all, commerce for all, and limited governments. He continued by expressing a belief in everyone living free of tyranny and oppression, regardless of its form. These statements were nearly identical to those made by Bartlet in an episode of the series’ fourth season.
Pagni speculated that the speech may have been written by Milei’s adviser, Santiago Caputo, a known fan of The West Wing who reportedly made watching the show a condition for joining his political consulting firm. The show was created by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and aired from 1999 to 2006, winning numerous awards, including three Golden Globes and 26 primetime Emmys.
Milei, an outspoken self-described anarcho-capitalist who is known for using unconventional language, has not yet commented on the accusations of plagiarism. Speaking from the podium in New York last month, he criticized the UN as a “Leviathan with multiple tentacles” that attempts to trample on the sovereignty of nations and impose a “socialist” agenda.
The Argentine president’s use of phrases reminiscent of a fictional US president has sparked controversy, raising questions about Milei’s speechwriting process and his commitment to original ideas.