Elon Musk Receives Chainsaw from Argentina’s President at Conservative Conference

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and key figure in U.S. government spending cuts, took center stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) outside Washington on Thursday, wielding an unusual gift—a chainsaw from Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei.

A Symbolic Gift from Milei

Holding up the red metallic chainsaw, Musk declared, “This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy.” The tool, a signature symbol of Milei’s aggressive government-slashing policies, was engraved with the Argentine leader’s slogan: “Viva la libertad, carajo”—a phrase that roughly translates to “Long live freedom, damn it!”

Milei, who took office in late 2023, became famous for brandishing a chainsaw at campaign rallies as a representation of his mission to cut government spending. His administration has been implementing severe austerity measures in Argentina, aiming to shrink the state and reduce public debt.

Musk’s Role in U.S. Government Cuts

Musk is playing a leading role in budget reductions under U.S. President Donald Trump, overseeing major federal workforce cuts. On Thursday, 6,000 employees at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were notified of layoffs, according to a source familiar with the situation.

These cuts have affected a wide range of government sectors, from bank regulators and forest workers to rocket scientists, as part of a broader effort to reduce government expenditures.

Musk’s Support for Milei

Musk has been a vocal supporter of Milei, frequently amplifying his speeches and political messages. The two leaders share a libertarian outlook, advocating for free-market policies, minimal government intervention, and deregulation.

As Milei continues to push radical economic reforms in Argentina, his alliance with influential figures like Musk highlights the growing global momentum for libertarian economic policies.