Leaked photo reveals Rollins-Bessent texts on Argentina bailout

A startling image snapped at the United Nations General Assembly last week has thrust the Trump administration into a fresh communications controversy involving sensitive text messages between two Cabinet secretaries.

The leaked photo, capturing a private exchange between Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, exposed internal doubts about a U.S. bailout for Argentina and its economic ripple effects on American interests, as Washington Examiner reports.

The incident began when Associated Press photojournalist Angelina Katsanis photographed Bessent from behind during the U.N. event in New York. The image inadvertently revealed his phone screen, displaying a string of text messages from a contact labeled “BR,” widely believed to be Rollins.

Unexpected Snapshot Sparks Administration Scandal

In the captured messages, Rollins voiced concern over a recent U.S. decision to provide financial support to Argentina. She highlighted an unintended consequence of the bailout, noting Argentina’s subsequent removal of export tariffs on grains.

This policy shift by Argentina lowered grain prices, particularly soybeans, benefiting China—a key competitor in the global agricultural market. Rollins suggested this could undermine U.S. farmers at a critical time.

The photo, initially picked up by Argentinian media, gained significant traction in the U.S. this week, amplifying the administration’s latest operational security lapse. It has drawn comparisons to an earlier incident dubbed “Signalgate,” where a journalist was accidentally included in a sensitive government chat.

Geopolitical Tensions Surface in Leaked Exchange

Rollins’s message to Bessent included pointed language about the situation, reflecting her frustration. She wrote, “Just a heads up. I am getting more intel, but this is highly unfortunate.”

She continued, “We bailed out Argentina yesterday and in return, Argentina removed their export tariffs on grains, reducing their price to China at a time when we would normally be selling to China.”

In a follow-up text, Rollins added, “Soy prices are dropping further because of it. This gives China more leverage on us. On a plane but scott I can call you when I land.”

Internal Skepticism Challenges Official Policy Stance

Adding to the controversy, Rollins shared a link to a critical social media post by user Ben Scholl. Scholl’s post read, “China and Argentina work together for soybeans as Bessent offers to subsidize the Argentine economy. They think you are stupid.”

Scholl later expressed astonishment that his online critique had reached senior administration officials. His comment underscored a broader public discontent with the bailout decision.

Meanwhile, Bessent had publicly defended the financial aid to Argentina just days before the leak surfaced. He outlined potential support mechanisms, stating, “These options may include, but are not limited to, swap lines, direct currency purchases, and purchases of U.S. dollar-denominated government debt from Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund.”

Optimism on Argentina Clashes with Doubts

Bessent also expressed optimism about Argentina’s future, saying, “Opportunities for private investment remain expansive, and Argentina will be Great Again.” He further praised the country’s leadership, noting, “We remain confident that President [Milei]’s support for fiscal discipline and pro-growth reforms are necessary to break Argentina’s long history of decline.”

Despite Bessent’s positive outlook, the leaked texts reveal a rift within the administration, as Rollins’s concerns suggest not all officials align with the bailout strategy. This internal discord mirrors external criticism from some of Trump’s supporters, who view the move as inconsistent with an “America First” approach.

The incident not only raises questions about geopolitical strategy but also underscores ongoing challenges with securing sensitive communications within the administration. Analysts warn that such leaks could strain international relations while exposing vulnerabilities in operational protocols.