Why a chainsaw?

So, picture this: Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, decides to gift a chainsaw to Elon Musk. And not just any chainsaw, but one engraved with his campaign slogan, "Viva la libertad, carajo!" (which translates to "Long live freedom, damn it!"). This happened on February 20, 2025, at CPAC in Washington, D.C.

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Eleves team

2/17/20252 min read

Why a Chainsaw? (No, It’s Not as Random as It Sounds)

If you’re scratching your head wondering why a chainsaw, let me break it down for you. Milei’s been dubbed the "Chainsaw Man" because during his 2023 campaign, he literally wielded a chainsaw as a prop to symbolize his promise to slash government spending and cut through bureaucracy. It’s like his version of a superhero tool, but for politics. And honestly, it worked—he won the presidency, and now he’s out here gifting chainsaws to people like Elon Musk, who’s also all about shaking things up.

So, when Milei handed Musk that chainsaw, it wasn’t just a random gift. It was like passing the torch (or, well, the chainsaw) of anti-bureaucracy. Milei even called it "the chainsaw of bureaucracy," which is pretty on-brand for both of them. Musk is leading something called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, like the meme coin—in the U.S., which is all about trimming the fat from federal spending. So, yeah, these two are basically vibing on the same wavelength.

Chainsaw Diplomacy: Yep, It’s a Thing Now

But wait, there’s more! This isn’t the first time Milei’s handed out chainsaw-related gifts. Back in November 2024, he gave Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a figurine of himself holding a chainsaw. Why? Because they’re both right-wing leaders who vibe on the whole "less government, more freedom" thing. It’s like they’re building this global club of chainsaw enthusiasts, but instead of cutting trees, they’re cutting red tape.

Now, you might be thinking, "Is this guy serious?" And the answer is yes, but also, it’s a bit of a show. Milei’s whole shtick is being bold, loud, and a little eccentric. He’s not your typical suit-and-tie politician—he’s more like the guy who shows up to a board meeting with a flamethrower. And people love it or hate it, but either way, they’re talking about it.

The CPAC Moment: Chainsaws and Cheers

The chainsaw gift to Musk got a ton of attention, especially since it happened at CPAC, a gathering of conservative bigwigs. Musk waved the chainsaw around on stage, and the crowd went wild. It’s not every day you see a tech billionaire and a president teaming up over a power tool. But hey, it’s 2025, and politics is weirder than ever.

So, What’s the Big Deal?

Milei’s chainsaw isn’t just a quirky prop anymore—it’s become a symbol of his mission to overhaul Argentina’s economy and, apparently, a diplomatic gift to like-minded leaders. Whether you think it’s genius or just plain bizarre, it’s definitely got people talking. And in politics, sometimes that’s half the battle.