Trump suggests he is reviewing US support for UK over Falkland Islands
Comments signal president prepared to use dispute to push UK to raise defence spending and Nato contributions Donald Trump has suggested he is reconsidering US support for Britain’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, in a move likely to strain the “special relationship” between Washington and London. “I always review every position – that’s just one of many,” the US president told reporters…
President Donald Trump has hinted at reevaluating US support for Britain's claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, potentially straining the "special relationship" with the UK. The US president stated during a press conference that he routinely reviews all positions, referring to the Falklands issue in response to a question about adjusting US policy.
Officially, the US maintains a neutral stance on the matter, recognizing British administration over the islands, which have been disputed by Argentina since the 19th century. In practice, the US supports British administration, a stance that was tested during the 1982 Argentine invasion and subsequent conflict with Britain. Trump's comments suggest the administration could leverage the dispute to pressure the new British Prime Minister, Andrea Burnham, into increasing defense spending and contributions to NATO.
Burnham's office confirmed that Britain's position on the Falklands is unwavering, stating that the Falkland Islanders have a right to determine their future and have expressed a desire to remain a British territory. The issue resurfaced after Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals, where Argentine fans displayed a banner claiming "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" – the Falklands are Argentine.
Speculation about a potential US shift in allegiance over the islands has persisted for months, with Trump advocating for increased defense budgets and NATO contributions from allies.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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