One of the creators behind the controversial Libra crypto token reportedly sent a text message bragging about being able to pay Argentine President Javier Milei’s sister in exchange for the president sharing the memecoin’s details on X, according to Argentine media.
La Nacion reported on Feb. 18 that it had seen text messages that Hayden Davis — a person connected to the Libra (LIBRA) token and the CEO of Kelsier Ventures — sent to a crypto investment firm executive saying he could pay Karina Milei for “control” over the Argentine president.
“We can also have Milei tweet and meet in person and do promo,” reads a screenshot of a text message purportedly sent by Davis in December to the unnamed executive, whose firm rejected the offer.
“I send $$ to his sister and he does whatever I say and does what I want,” reads another message, reportedly sent by Davis.
Davis could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesperson for Davis told the media outlet CoinDesk that Davis didn’t recall sending the message and had no record of it on his phone. Davis also denied making payments to either Javier or Karina Milei.
Karina Milei currently serves as general secretary for Argentina’s presidential office and has become a close adviser to her brother, the president. She is often seen with Javier Melei on his recent official overseas trips.
Davis and Kelsier Ventures were some of the biggest winners from the LIBRA token launch, claiming to have netted around $100 million. Davis, however, said he didn’t own the tokens and wouldn’t be selling them.
LIBRA notched a $4.5 billion market cap at its peak before it crashed around 95% soon after.
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Milei claims he didn’t “promote” the LIBRA token — as fraud lawsuits filed against him have claimed — arguing instead that he merely “spread the word” about it.
“I did not promote that. What I did, I spread the word,” Milei said during a Feb. 17 interview with Todo Noticias, his first public statement since the Libra token controversy, which has members of the opposition calling for his impeachment.
While Milei claims he has “nothing to hide” and acted in “good faith,” he acknowledged that he has “something to learn” from the ordeal, including the need to “start setting filters” on what conduct is appropriate and what isn’t.
The libertarian economist said that problems flowing from the token launch should only include the parties involved. “The state plays no role here,” Milei said.
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