Full Breakdown
Argentine President Javier Milei Replaces Cabinet Chief Amid Corruption Scandal
6/29/2026, 6:40:54 AM
Resignation of Manuel Adorni and Appointment of Diego Santilli
Manuel Adorni resigned as chief of cabinet on Saturday, June 27 2026 after federal prosecutors opened an inquiry into alleged illicit enrichment. The next day, President Javier Milei announced on X that Interior Minister Diego Santilli, a former deputy chief of Buenos Aires and PRO party member, would take over the role on Tuesday.
Background: Milei’s Anti-Corruption Promise and the Emerging Scandal
Milei took office on Dec 10 2023 promising to end endemic graft. Adorni, Milei’s former spokesperson, became chief of cabinet in November 2025 and was the face of that promise. Early-2026 reports of first-class trips to Aruba, a private-jet flight to Punta del Este, and property purchases raised questions about his $2,600 monthly salary.
Data & Statistics
Adorni’s declared salary is about $2,600 per month. He later admitted to hiding roughly $500,000 in undeclared savings. An Opina Argentina poll shows 39 % positive image of Milei and a 53 % rise in his approval over the past year.
Official Statements & Responses
Milei told Spanish media that Adorni is innocent and that he stands by his ministers to the bitter end, adding that “no way will Adorni leave.” Santilli’s X post pledged to give everything to advance the structural reforms Argentina has needed for decades. Adorni’s resignation letter said he was acting against Milei’s wishes and asserted he had not committed any crime.
Criticism & Opposition
Journalists and opposition lawmakers highlighted the disparity between Adorni’s $2,600 salary and his first-class trips, calling the travel extravagant and the property deals unexplained. Critics argue the scandal erodes Milei’s anti-corruption credibility and weakens his leverage with governors and Congress. Karina Milei defended her brother’s aide as upright and valuable.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters and Milei’s X post confirm Santilli’s appointment, while NBC and the Los Angeles Times reported the successor was still “unclear.” The undeclared amount is described both as “about half a million dollars” and as “$500,000.” No court decision has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am going to give everything so that this government continues to advance in the structural reforms that Argentina has needed for decades,” — Diego Santilli, Interior Minister (X post)
- “Manuel is innocent,” — President Javier Milei, local media in Spain
- “I haven't committed any crime and I'm going to show that in court,” — Manuel Adorni, address to Congress (April)
- “For the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes,” — Manuel Adorni, resignation letter (X)
What’s Next
Santilli will assume the chief-of-cabinet role on Tuesday, guiding Milei’s talks with governors and Congress while the federal probe into Adorni’s finances proceeds. The episode is likely to affect forthcoming opinion polls and could limit Milei’s reform agenda. Legal action on the alleged $500,000 of hidden assets remains pending.
