Peter Lamelas
Peter Lamelas | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2025 | |
| 53rd United States Ambassador to Argentina | |
| Assumed office November 4, 2025[1] | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Marc Stanley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1958 (Age 66) |
| Education | Universidad Central del Este (MD) Nova Southeastern University (MBA) |
Peter Lamelas is a Cuban-American diplomat, physician, and entrepreneur who has served as the United States ambassador to Argentina since 2025. He is also the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care; one of Florida's largest urgent care networks.[2][3][4]
Early life and education
[edit]Peter Lamelas was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States as a child with his family to escape the communist regime.[5] His family arrived in the U.S. with limited resources, and their journey has been described as emblematic of the "American Dream." Lamelas pursued higher education in medicine, earning an M.D. from Universidad Central del Este and later completing an M.B.A. at Nova Southeastern University.[2][4]
Early career
[edit]Lamelas is the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care, which he expanded into one of Florida's largest urgent care networks. Under his leadership, the company partnered with two private equity firms and became a leading healthcare provider in the nation. He also serves as a Board Advisor to MD Now and has over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine and emergency medical services.[2][4]
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Lamelas has been actively involved in medical governance. He served on the Florida Board of Medicine, appointed by then-governor Jeb Bush, and was a member of the board of directors for the Urgent Care Association of America. He has also contributed to community service through various non-profit organizations in South Florida.[2][4]
Political appointments
[edit]During Donald Trump's first presidential term, Lamelas was appointed to the Department of Justice's Medal of Valor Review board, which honors first responders for acts of extraordinary valor.[2][3]
United States ambassador to Argentina (2025–present)
[edit]On December 11, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Lamelas as the United States ambassador to Argentina. Trump's nomination emphasized Lamelas's medical and business credentials, as well as his personal story as a Cuban refugee. Trump stated that Lamelas's experience exemplifies the "American Dream" and described him as "a physician, philanthropist, and an incredible businessman".[2][3]
Lamelas has already engaged diplomatically with Argentina's leadership, having met President Javier Milei during Milei's visit to Mar-a-Lago in November 2024. He has publicly praised Milei's efforts to implement bold economic reforms aimed at reducing deficits and curbing inflation.[2][3]
During his confirmation hearing in July 2025, Lamelas explained that his objectives were to make Argentina a “partner of choice” for the United States. In the context of the rivalry between Argentina and the United Kingdom over control of the Falkland Islands, he reiterated the “neutrality” of the United States on this issue. Lamelas confirmed his intention to combat the influence of certain countries in Argentina, such as China and Venezuela. He also announced his support for the judicial proceedings against former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The Chinese Embassy in Argentina criticized his remarks, saying they were “plagued with ideological prejudice and Cold War mentality.” Regarding his statements about former President Kirchner, Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof said they “evoke the darkest eras of U.S. interference in the democratic life of our region.”[6]
On September 18, 2025, Lamelas was confirmed by the Senate.[6] He presented his credentials to President Javier Milei on November 4, 2025.[7]
Personal beliefs and advocacy
[edit]Lamelas has been vocal about his views on socialism and governance, shaped by his experiences as a Cuban refugee. He has described socialism as "inefficient, cruel, and deceitful," emphasizing the importance of economic freedom and limited government for national development. Lamelas has drawn parallels between Trump and Milei, praising their commitment to streamlined governance and economic growth.[2][3][8]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.rionegro.com.ar/politica/javier-milei-se-reunio-con-el-embajador-peter-lamelas-en-casa-rosada-previo-a-su-viaje-a-estados-unidos-4360915/
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Trump names Peter Lamelas as next US ambassador to Argentina". Buenos Aires Times. December 13, 2024. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Herald, Buenos Aires (December 12, 2024). "Trump announces Peter Lamelas will be US ambassador to Argentina". Buenos Aires Herald. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Peter Lamelas | Legacy Ventures". legacyv.com. February 15, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
- ^ Castro, Manuela; Español, C. N. N. (December 12, 2024). "Quién es Peter Lamelas, el embajador designado por Donald Trump para Argentina". CNN (in Spanish). Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ a b "US Senate confirms Peter Lamelas as ambassador to Argentina". Buenos Aires Herald. September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
- ^ https://elpais.com/argentina/2025-11-05/milei-recibe-a-peter-lamelas-el-embajador-enviado-por-trump-para-limitar-la-influencia-de-china.html?outputType=amp
- ^ "Trump fills out more of his Latin American diplomatic team". POLITICO. December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
| Chargé d'Affaires |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Minister Resident | ||
| Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary | ||
| Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | ||
Current United States ambassadors to Latin America | ||
|---|---|---|
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