ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI DENIES PROMOTING FAILED LIBRA MEMECOIN

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 23:57 | Written by: Sam Bankman-Fried

Argentine President Javier Milei Denies Promoting Failed Libra Memecoin
Argentine President Javier Milei Denies Promoting Failed Libra Memecoin

Argentine President Javier Milei finds himself embroiled in a swirling controversy surrounding the LIBRA memecoin. The whirlwind scandal involving Argentine President Javier Milei and the Libra memecoin took only days to unfold but seems to have been in the works for several months. Libragate kickedAccusations have surfaced alleging that Milei actively promoted the token, which experienced a meteoric rise followed by an equally dramatic crash, leaving numerous investors with significant financial losses.Now, facing fraud lawsuits and even calls for his impeachment, Milei is vehemently denying these claims.He asserts that his involvement was limited to simply sharing information about the project and not an explicit endorsement or promotion of investment. After Argentine President Javier Milei endorsed the LIBRA meme coin launched on Febru, it has become the subject of investigations by experts due to a pump-dump scam. When insiders quickly sold off their shares, they withdrew $107 million, causing the coin s value to crash and wiping out over $4 billion from its market cap withinThis denial comes amidst growing scrutiny, including investigations by the U.S. Argentina s President Javier Milei spoke about the LIBRA meme coin for the first time since the high-profile scandal made news on Saturday. In an exclusive interview with national news outlet Todo Noticias, Milei said he only disseminated the project but denied having promoted it.Department of Justice and the assignment of a judge to delve into the matter. Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency which collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday.The saga, dubbed ""Libragate"" by some, highlights the risks associated with meme coins and raises serious questions about the ethical responsibilities of public figures when discussing or engaging with volatile assets like cryptocurrencies.The situation is further complicated by allegations of insider trading and a now-deleted tweet in which Milei appeared to be promoting the coin.

The LIBRA Memecoin Controversy: A Timeline of Events

The LIBRA memecoin saga unfolded rapidly, creating a whirlwind of controversy that has engulfed the Argentine President.Here's a look at the key events that led to the current situation:

  • February (Specific Date Unclear): The LIBRA memecoin launched on the Solana blockchain.
  • Initial Surge: Fueled by attention, including a post on Javier Milei's X (formerly Twitter) account, LIBRA's market capitalization skyrocketed to approximately $4.5 billion within a short timeframe.
  • The Crash: Almost as quickly as it rose, the value of LIBRA plummeted.Within hours of launch, the coin dropped by as much as 96%, wiping out billions in market capitalization.
  • Insider Allegations: Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence revealed evidence suggesting insider trading, with reports indicating that developers drained approximately $107 million in what appeared to be a pump-and-dump scheme.
  • Milei's Response: Following the crash, Milei deleted his initial tweet and issued a statement denying that he had promoted the memecoin, claiming he only shared information.
  • Legal Action & Calls for Impeachment: Lawsuits were filed against Milei, alleging fraud.Opposition politicians have called for his impeachment, arguing that his involvement constitutes a breach of public trust.
  • Investigation Launch: A judge was assigned to investigate the situation, and the U.S. Argentina s President Javier Milei has distanced himself from the LIBRA meme coin after promoting it in a now-deleted tweet. His clarification follows accusations that the project s developers drained approximately $107 million in what appears to be a pump-and-dump scheme. LIBRA Meme Coin ControversyDepartment of Justice is reportedly investigating President Milei’s participation.

Milei's Defense: ""I Only Shared Information""

President Milei's defense hinges on the distinction between sharing information and actively promoting a financial product. Argentine President Javier Milei has dissolved a task force established to investigate the fallout from LIBRA, the scandalous cryptocurrency project the head of state promoted on his social mediaHe argues that he merely disseminated details about the LIBRA memecoin out of personal interest, without explicitly urging anyone to invest in it. Davis has described himself as an adviser to Argentine president Javier Milei, having met with him multiple times in Buenos Aires, although the Argentine government has denied any direct connection to Davis.In an interview with Todo Noticias, a national news outlet, he reiterated this position, stating that he ""only disseminated the project but denied having promoted it.""

However, critics argue that Milei's position as President of Argentina inherently carries significant influence, and any mention of a financial asset on his social media platform constitutes an implicit endorsement.They point to the immediate surge in LIBRA's value following his post as evidence of this influence.

The Pump-and-Dump Allegations and Insider Trading

A central element of the controversy is the accusation that LIBRA was a pump-and-dump scheme.This is a type of fraud where promoters artificially inflate the price of an asset through false and misleading positive statements, in order to sell their own holdings at a profit, leaving later investors with significant losses when the price inevitably crashes.

Reports suggest that insiders associated with the LIBRA project withdrew approximately $107 million shortly before the crash, lending credence to the pump-and-dump allegations.The findings by Arkham Intelligence further support claims of insider trading, raising questions about the ethical and legal implications of the situation.

What is a Pump-and-Dump Scheme?

A pump-and-dump scheme is a deceptive practice involving artificially inflating the price of a stock or asset through misleading or false statements.Once the price is high enough, the perpetrators sell their own holdings, causing the price to plummet and leaving other investors with losses. Argentine President Javier Milei denies promoting the LIBRA memecoin, stating he merely shared it out of personal interest. Read more on his defense and the ongoing controversy.These schemes are illegal and unethical, often targeting inexperienced investors.

Investigations and Legal Challenges Facing Milei

The LIBRA memecoin scandal has triggered multiple investigations and legal challenges for President Milei. A judge was assigned on Monday to investigate the case. Argentina's main opposition coalition said it would move forward with its push to impeach Milei, writing in an X post that his involvementA judge in Argentina has been assigned to oversee the case, including unsealing his bank records as part of a broader investigation.Furthermore, the U.S. Argentine President Javier Milei claims he didn t promote the LIBRA token as fraud lawsuits filed against him have claimed arguing instead that heDepartment of Justice is reportedly investigating Milei's participation in endorsing LIBRA.These investigations aim to determine whether Milei violated any laws or regulations in his involvement with the cryptocurrency.

Beyond the investigations, Milei also faces fraud lawsuits filed by investors who lost money in the LIBRA crash. Argentina s libertarian president Javier Milei has been buffeted by a scandal over his promotion of a memecoin that soared in value before collapsing, triggering impeachment calls and lawsuits.These lawsuits allege that Milei's promotion of the coin contributed to their financial losses, potentially exposing him to significant legal liabilities.

The Role of Karina Milei

Karina Milei, the President's sister, is also under scrutiny in connection to the LIBRA memecoin scandal. Solana Exchange Jupiter: LIBRA Launch An Open Secret In Meme Coin CirclesBoth siblings failed to appear at their first civil hearing regarding the ongoing case.Their absence raises questions about their level of involvement and willingness to cooperate with the investigation.The unsealing of their bank records suggests a comprehensive effort to examine their financial transactions related to the LIBRA project.

The Political Fallout: Calls for Impeachment

The LIBRA controversy has had significant political repercussions for President Milei.Opposition politicians have seized upon the scandal, calling for his impeachment. Javier Milei, President of Argentina, is facing fraud charges for promoting fake crypto coin dubbed LIBRA. Local lawyers have filed case against the libertarian leader in criminal court on Sunday. Milei, on Friday, promoted the little-known crypto on X, which rapidly surged to a market capitalization of about $4.5 billion.They argue that his promotion of the memecoin and the subsequent financial losses suffered by investors constitute a breach of public trust and warrant his removal from office.

The main opposition coalition in Argentina has stated its intention to move forward with impeachment proceedings, intensifying the political pressure on Milei.This scandal poses a significant challenge to his administration and could potentially destabilize his presidency.

The Role of Hayden Davis, Julian Peh and KIP Protocol

The U.S.Department of Justice is reportedly investigating the involvement of several individuals alongside President Milei in the LIBRA memecoin venture.These individuals include Hayden Davis from Kelsier Ventures, Julian Peh of KIP Protocol, and two Argentine entrepreneurs.Davis has described himself as an advisor to President Milei, claiming to have met with him multiple times.However, the Argentine government has denied any direct connection to Davis.

The investigation aims to uncover the extent of their participation in the alleged scheme and determine whether they played a role in the pump-and-dump operation. Argentina's president Javier Milei has backtracked on a tweet promoting a memecoin called Libra, which rose to a $4.4 billion market cap before plunging by more than 95%. In a now-deleted tweetThe involvement of KIP Protocol, a decentralized protocol, also raises questions about the potential use of blockchain technology to facilitate the scheme.

Ethical Considerations for Public Figures and Cryptocurrency

The LIBRA controversy highlights the ethical considerations for public figures when discussing or engaging with cryptocurrencies. LIBRA continued to plunge following the move, and now sits at a market cap of just $167 million a 96% plunge from the peak. PREVIOUS: The X account of Argentina's President Javier Milei promoted a Solana meme coin called LIBRA late Friday. Traders initially piled in to purchase the coin, which surged to a market cap of about $4.5 billionWhile they have the right to express their opinions, their words carry significant weight and can influence investment decisions. Argentine President Javier Milei has denied allegations that he actively promoted the LIBRA memecoin, which experienced a sharp pump and dump, resulting in significant investor losses. In a recent interview, Milei stated he only shared information about the token and didn t urge people to invest in it.It is crucial for public figures to exercise caution and avoid promoting specific cryptocurrencies, especially those with a high degree of volatility or a lack of transparency.

  • Transparency: Public figures should disclose any financial interests or relationships they have with cryptocurrency projects they discuss.
  • Due Diligence: They should conduct thorough research and understand the risks associated with the cryptocurrencies they mention.
  • Avoid Endorsements: They should refrain from explicitly endorsing or promoting specific cryptocurrencies, as this can be interpreted as investment advice.
  • Consider the Impact: They should consider the potential impact of their words on investors and avoid making statements that could mislead or deceive them.

The Wider Implications for the Cryptocurrency Market

The LIBRA scandal underscores the risks associated with meme coins and the potential for fraudulent schemes within the cryptocurrency market.Meme coins are often characterized by their speculative nature, lack of underlying value, and susceptibility to manipulation.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale for investors, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough research, exercising caution, and avoiding investments based solely on hype or social media trends. The controversy took a turn when former Argentine President Cristina Fern ndez de Kirchner accused Milei of promoting a scam that led to massive losses for retail investors while insiders walked away with millions. Although Milei denied any wrongdoing, blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence uncovered clear evidence of insider trading.It also reinforces the need for greater regulation and oversight of the cryptocurrency market to protect investors from fraud and manipulation.

Milei's Dissolved Task Force: An Attempt to Control the Narrative?

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, President Milei reportedly dissolved a task force that was established to investigate the fallout from LIBRA.This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his motives.Critics argue that dissolving the task force suggests an attempt to control the narrative and limit the scope of the investigation.

The dissolution could be interpreted as an effort to shield himself and his associates from further scrutiny.However, without further information, it's impossible to definitively determine his reasoning behind this decision.

What Happens Next? Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency which collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday. The cryptocoinThe Future of the Investigation

The LIBRA saga is far from over.The ongoing investigations by both Argentine authorities and the U.S. Argentine opposition politicians are calling for the impeachment of President Javier Milei following his promotion of a cryptocurrency that collapsed rapidly, reportedly causing millions ofDepartment of Justice will likely continue to uncover new information and shed light on the extent of President Milei's involvement and the potential wrongdoing of others.The fraud lawsuits will proceed through the legal system, potentially leading to significant financial penalties for those found liable. A rgentina s president, Javier Milei, has refuted claims that he promoted the controversial Libra token, which quickly tanked in value, leading the crypto-friendly politician to face multipleThe calls for impeachment, while unlikely to succeed, will continue to put political pressure on Milei and his administration.

Key Takeaways for Cryptocurrency Investors

The LIBRA scandal offers crucial lessons for anyone investing in cryptocurrencies.It highlights the importance of:

  • Due Diligence: Thoroughly research any cryptocurrency before investing, understanding its underlying technology, team, and market dynamics.
  • Risk Management: Only invest what you can afford to lose, as cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and subject to sudden price swings.
  • Skepticism: Be wary of hype and social media trends.Avoid making investment decisions based solely on the recommendations of influencers or celebrities.
  • Diversification: Spread your investments across different asset classes to mitigate risk.
  • Regulation Awareness: Stay informed about the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies in your jurisdiction.

Conclusion: The Lingering Questions of Libragate

The Argentine President Javier Milei's denial of promoting the LIBRA memecoin does little to quell the storm surrounding him. Argentine President Javier Milei claims he didn t promote the LIBRA token as fraud lawsuits filed against him have claimed arguing instead that he merely spread the word about it.The evidence of a pump-and-dump scheme, coupled with his initial endorsement (now deleted), leaves many questions unanswered. Argentine President Javier Milei is facing a corruption probe into his promotion of a meme coin, which is a highly speculative form of cryptocurrency that s seen a recent surge in popularity after President Donald Trump and his wife launched tokens of their own.While he maintains he only shared information, the impact of his words, given his position, is undeniable.The ongoing investigations, lawsuits, and calls for impeachment will continue to cast a shadow over his presidency.The LIBRA memecoin saga serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the cryptocurrency market and the ethical responsibilities of public figures who engage with these volatile assets.The incident underscores the need for greater transparency, investor protection, and regulatory oversight within the crypto space. Argentine President Javier Milei has denied allegations that he promoted the LIBRA memecoin, which recently experienced a dramatic surge followed by a crash, leaving investors with significant losses.Ultimately, the Libragate scandal highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the potential for influence, leaving a lasting mark on Milei's legacy and the Argentine political landscape. President Milei Skips Civil Hearing. Argentine President Javier Milei and his sister Karina failed to appear at their first civil hearing regarding the ongoing LIBRA scandal. During the session, a judge unsealed their bank records as part of the broader investigation into the controversial memecoin project.As the investigations unfold, the truth behind LIBRA and Milei's involvement will hopefully come to light.

Sam Bankman-Fried can be reached at [email protected].

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