Trump Could Withdraw US Support for UK Sovereignty of Falklands
The White House is reportedly considering punitive measures against European countries that have failed to assist Donald Trump in his war in Iran, according to a Pentagon official. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, once described as "very nice" by Trump, is now routinely called a "coward" and "no Churchill" by the US president. It is claimed that Trump could go further and withdraw American support for Britain's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic over which the UK and Argentina went to war in 1982. The proposal is said to be contained in an internal Pentagon email.
What Does the Pentagon Email Say?
The memo's contents have only been briefed out, but it is claimed the White House is looking at how to puncture the Europeans' "sense of entitlement." Trump has expressed frustration at the reluctance or refusal of some NATO allies to grant the US access to bases and overflight rights. One punitive measure being considered is the suspension of Spain from NATO, although it is unclear how this would be achieved. The memo also reportedly includes an option to reassess US diplomatic support for longstanding European "imperial possessions," such as the Falkland Islands.
What Is the Current US Position on the Falklands?
The UK's claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands is based on the argument that, except for two months of illegal occupation in 1982, Britain has continuously, peacefully, and effectively inhabited and administered them since 1833. The British government further claims that it is up to the people of the Falklands to choose their own future. The US currently does not take a position on sovereignty, stating that the matter is a bilateral issue between the UK and Argentina. The US State Department says: "We encourage both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue in normal diplomatic channels. We recognize de facto United Kingdom administration of the islands but take no position regarding sovereignty."
What Would It Mean for the US to Withdraw 'Diplomatic Support'?
Argentina claims it inherited the Falklands from Spain upon independence and argues that self-determination does not apply to the islands' inhabitants. Argentina regularly seeks UN resolutions supporting its claim. While the US does not take a formal position on sovereignty, it ultimately aided the UK militarily during the 1982 conflict with intelligence and advanced missiles. Since then, the US has helped water down or block resolutions favoring Argentina. The Falkland Islands are considered a "non-self-governing territory" by the UN and are subject to discussion by the Special Committee on Decolonization. If the US shifts to support Argentina or urges the UK to open talks, the British government would be left isolated.
What Is Likely to Happen?
Nothing, according to analysts. King Charles is on a state visit to the US next week, and Trump has appeared enamored with the British royal family, suggesting the king's visit might "fix" relations. Trump has developed a rapport with Argentina's President Javier Milei, who recently reasserted his country's claim to the islands, but it seems highly unlikely Trump would dedicate time or UN resources to the issue. Deep security ties between the UK and US make such a pivot heavily resisted within the system.
