George W. Bush took office as President of the United States in January 2001 , and changed American policy towards countries in financial crises . His Treasury Secretary , Paul H. O'Neill , a critic of financial aid , said , " We 're working to find a way to create a sustainable Argentina , not just one that continues to consume the money of the plumbers and carpenters in the United States who make $ 50,000 a year and wonder what in the world we 're doing with their money " . The September 11 attacks occurred a few months later , and the U.S. focused its foreign policy on the War on Terror against countries suspected of harboring terrorist organizations . As a result , the U.S. gave no further financial aid to Argentina . This policy was confirmed after an interview of Bush with the Brazilian president , Fernando Henrique Cardoso , who confirmed Brazil would not be affected by the Argentine crisis
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
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