Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, has been accused of copying a script from TV series The West Wing for a speech to the United Nations.

Mr Milei appears to have lifted dialogue from Josiah Bartlett, the fictional US president, almost verbatim and used it for his maiden address to the General Assembly in New York.

The La Nacion newspaper reported that Santiago Caputo, Mr Milei’s communication advisor, is a huge fan of The West Wing, which ran for seven seasons from 1999, and said the similarities were unlikely to be a coincidence.

“We believe in freedom of speech for all; we believe in freedom of worship for all; we believe in freedom of trade for all and we believe in limited governments, all of them,” Mr Milei said at the end of his 15 minute speech.

“And because in these times what happens in one country quickly impacts others, we believe that all peoples should live free from tyranny and oppression, whether it takes the form of political oppression, economic slavery or religious fanaticism. 

“That fundamental idea must not remain mere words; it has to be supported by deeds, diplomatically, economically and materially.”