Trump Hints US May Withhold Falklands Support as UK Cites 99.8% Vote to Stay British
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 3
Trump Hints US May Withhold Falklands Support as UK Cites 99.8% Vote to Stay British
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 3
Summary
Trump said the US might not come to Britain's aid in any future Falklands conflict, arguing the UK "wasn't there to help me" during the US war with Iran.
GB News quoted Trump saying he had asked NATO and then-prime minister Keir Starmer for ships, but was told none were available, even though allies rely heavily on oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The remarks sharpened Trump's earlier warning that Washington could revisit its traditionally neutral sovereignty stance if Britain failed to raise defence spending.
Britain replied that Falkland islanders are British and have the right to choose their future; in a 2013 referendum, 99.8% voted to remain a British overseas territory.
Argentina's Javier Milei is due to make a televised statement on the islands, reviving a dispute that led to the 1982 war, which killed 255 British personnel, three islanders and 649 Argentines.