Trump suggests he could withdraw support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands

Donald Trump has suggested that U.S. support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands could change, reopening a sensitive issue claimed by Argentina.

Asked about the matter in the Oval Office, Trump said, “I always review all positions. That is just one among many.” His comments followed British media reports that his administration was considering withdrawing its support as pressure on London to raise defense spending.

The Telegraph reported that the proposal appeared on a list of measures being prepared by the Pentagon to push NATO members toward a 5% spending commitment. The United States does not explicitly endorse British sovereignty over the islands. Its official position is neutral, although Washington recognizes London's de facto administration of the archipelago.

Argentina and the United Kingdom fought over the Falklands from April 2 to June 14, 1982. The conflict ended with Argentina's surrender and the deaths of 649 Argentines, 255 Britons and three islanders. Britain has since rejected Argentina's claims, despite repeated United Nations calls for dialogue. The United Nations considers the Falklands a territory pending decolonization.

In a 2013 referendum, more than 99% of the roughly 3,000 people living on the islands backed remaining a British territory. Trump’s remarks therefore touch both on Washington’s stated neutrality and on a longstanding dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

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I always review all positions. That is just one among many.