US Blocks Entry of Former Argentina President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner Over Corruption Allegations
The United States government on Friday announced it had blocked entry to former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and former Planning Minister Julio Miguel De Vido, citing their involvement in significant corruption schemes in Argentina.
The decision comes after a prolonged legal saga in which both figures were accused of orchestrating bribery operations related to public works contracts, resulting in millions of dollars being siphoned from the Argentine government.
Fernandez de Kirchner, a leftist leader who served as Argentina’s president from 2007 to 2015, remains a powerful political figure in her home country. As a staunch opponent of Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump, Fernandez de Kirchner’s political influence continues to be a point of contention within Argentine politics.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Fernandez de Kirchner and De Vido of abusing their positions for personal gain, leading to widespread corruption. “They undermined both public confidence in the future of Argentina and the trust of international investors,” Rubio said. The US government’s ban on their entry also extends to immediate family members.
Despite the allegations, Fernandez de Kirchner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the legal cases against her as politically motivated. She maintains that the charges are part of a broader effort to discredit her political career.
Fernandez de Kirchner, who served as Argentina’s vice president until 2023, is currently the head of the main Peronist political party. Late last year, a court upheld her conviction for awarding state contracts to a close friend, a ruling that resulted in a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office. She has appealed the decision, taking the case to the Argentine Supreme Court, and continues to contest the charges.
On Friday, Fernandez de Kirchner took to Facebook, using the platform to criticize the actions of President Milei and his ties to Trump, writing, “You left your prints all over this,” referencing Milei’s influence in the matter.
The US government’s move underscores ongoing tensions between Fernandez de Kirchner and her critics, further complicating the political landscape in Argentina.
