Manuel Adorni, Chief of Cabinet, announced on April 3 that he has hired the law firm led by criminal lawyer MatÃas Ledesma to coordinate his legal defense in ongoing cases at the federal courts of Comodoro Py.
The move comes as Adorni faces increasing judicial scrutiny over two main issues. The first involves an investigation into a private flight to Punta del Este, where Judge Ariel Lijo has ordered the lifting of banking secrecy for companies connected to the payment for the trip. Authorities are examining whether there was any irregular financing involved. The second issue concerns allegations of illicit enrichment, with Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita leading a probe into possible inconsistencies between Adorni’s declared income and his spending levels.
A new development also emerged regarding a family trip to Aruba taken by Adorni between late December 2024 and early January 2025. While Adorni had previously told reporters that he had not taken vacations in two years, migration records reportedly show an eleven-day stay at an all-inclusive Caribbean hotel with an estimated cost of $15,000. Judicial authorities are seeking to verify if this expense aligns with his declared earnings.
In response to these investigations and increased pressure from Judge Lijo—who has already ordered the lifting of both tax and banking secrecy—the national government decided to reduce Adorni’s media exposure by suspending morning press conferences while his new legal team prepares court filings. Inside Casa Rosada, President Javier Milei is said to continue supporting Adorni; however, presidential aides acknowledge that controversy over travel expenses is affecting their message on transparency and prompting adjustments in official communications.
Adorni’s defense is now preparing responses for judicial requests during what officials describe as a crucial phase. Their immediate goal is to prevent further financial probes from resulting in more serious charges or changes within the cabinet.
