In the midst of a bilateral lunch at the White House, President Javier Milei handed Donald Trump two letters. The Presidency circulated one written by the families of the freed Argentine hostages, in gratitude for his work in achieving peace in the Middle East. And in the midst of the delegation meeting, Milei gave him another: his support for Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The exchange occurred 10 minutes into Milei and Trump's joint statement. The American saw a frame across the table."Do you have anything there?" he asked. Milei responded with a quick"Yes!"

The President rose from his seat and stretched out to hand over the framed letter. He was assisted by Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, who also reached across the table to hand the gift to the Republican.

That letter, the one that appeared on camera, was the Argentine President's endorsement of the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded on Friday to Venezuelan María Corina Machado. It was dated that same day, October 10.

What does Milei's letter supporting Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize say?

As captured by the photographers present, the text praised Trump's"steadfast leadership" and "commitment to peace." "They have profoundly influenced the course of history," the letter continued, citing the example of his advocacy for an understanding between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Milei and Werthein give the gift to Trump. Photo AFP

Milei and Werthein give the gift to Trump. AP Photo

"Equally notable has been his determination to promote peace in the Middle East, through initiatives that opened unprecedented paths toward dialogue, stability, and hope in a region long marked by division," the letter added.

And he added:"For these reasons, and as a gesture of my deepest admiration, I would like to personally nominate you for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of your extraordinary contribution to international peace and your unwavering belief in the power of strong leadership guided by purpose and faith."

He ended by declaring his "highest consideration" and "eternal friendship."

The US President glanced at him before thanking him for the gift."That's fantastic, thank you very much," Donald Trump replied, adding:"That's a very nice gesture. It's beautiful."

Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize nomination letter signed by Milei. Photo: Reuters

But there was one detail that Argentine officials had to clarify: due to timing, there were two different versions of the letter.

"When Milei wrote this letter," Gerardo Werthein explained to Trump about the framed version he had just been given,"your work in the Middle East wasn't done." He added,"So we had to write a new letter."

Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize nomination letter signed by Milei. Photo: Reuters

"Did they have to add a sentence?", Trump asked rhetorically."Exactly," the Argentine official responded, referring to the paragraph referring to the agreement between Hamas and Israel.

What does the letter from the hostages' families say?

That framed note bore Milei's signature. But the Argentine government, meanwhile, circulated the letter signed by the families of the freed hostages, a second gift to Trump.

"President Javier Milei presented President Donald Trump with a letter written by the families of the released Argentine hostages, in gratitude for his work to achieve peace in the Middle East," they explained, along with a video of the painting being handed over to Trump.

The letter, signed by the families of brothers David and Ariel Cunio, and Eitan Horn, the three Argentine hostages freed in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States.

"After 738 days of darkness and suffering, our loved ones Eitan Horn and David and Ariel Cunio are home today. After so much pain and uncertainty, this day feels like a miracle. We can finally breathe again. You gave us back the light we thought was lost. You reunited our family and restored our hope," the letter says.

Among other praise for Trump, the letter highlights:"No one before you has achieved this. You gave us hope when there was none and made history in a way that will be remembered for generations. You showed the world that freedom, moral clarity, and humanity can prevail even in the darkest of times."

The letter that Milei gave to Trump, signed by the Cunio and Horn families.

"From Argentina to Israel, families are celebrating this moment. You deserve the highest honor for this historic achievement, something no other president has accomplished. What you achieved is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize," the letter reads.

"Mr. President, your leadership left its mark on us across oceans and borders. (...) What you did will never be forgotten. You stood with strength, faith, and love when the world had almost lost hope. You stood for life and truth. You showed what true leadership looks like, guided by values, conviction, and compassion. Thanks to you, our homes are filled with happiness again."

And, in the message that also thanks Milei"for accompanying and supporting the families," the Cunios and the Horns told Trump: "You brought our loved ones home, but our hearts will not be whole until each of the hostages is returned. We ask that you continue your mission until the fallen are repatriated for burial, and until Lior Rudaeff, our fellow Argentine, and the rest of the hostages return to their homes."

SMB / AGE