Trump hints he would not back UK over Falklands, citing lack of Iran support
Helen Corbett, Press Association Political Correspondent
Donald Trump has hinted that he would not help the UK in a potential future conflict over the Falkland Islands, saying the country was “not there to help me” with the war in Iran.
It comes after reports last week suggested the US could revise its officially neutral position on the islands’ sovereignty if the Government does not increase defence spending.
Argentinian President Javier Milei has said he will make a national televised statement late on Thursday on the Falklands.
The US President was asked in an interview if he would “come to the aid” of the UK, the US President told GB News: “Well look, I was there when they had the first war.
“That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well.
“You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away. That’s a big trip, it’s a long way.
“So, your country’s not doing well. Don’t forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren’t there to help me.
“Your country was not there to help me. We didn’t need help, but I did ask Nato, and I asked your former leader, ‘why didn’t you send a couple of ships?’
“He said we don’t have any, and it was pretty sad, the whole thing. So Nato was not there, even though they get – most of those countries get – a big portion of their oil from there. So we’re doing that by ourselves.”
In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and just three votes against.
Although the US is formally neutral, Washington provided support for Britain’s campaign to retake the islands after the Argentinian invasion in 1982.
Downing Street said, earlier this week, that the UK’s position on the Falklands was “long-standing and unwavering”.
“Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount.
“The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”
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Trump beggars belief. He attacked Iran and caused the whole problem in the first place.
This poltroon creates a crisis and commits war crimes and expects everyone to support him. He deserves derision and impeachment not support.
In Welsh, ‘daw dial’
I’m surprised anyone can understand him with Putin’s member lodged so firmly in his mouth
I’m surprised he isn’t calling The Falklands, the United America Islands or such, as well as putting an American flag on it.
There’s still time.
He will. After all, the islands are in HIS Western hemisphere. He’ll appoint his Buenos Aires buddy to administer them and the dear old British bulldog can’t do anything about it. The poor thing was put to sleep years ago.
Sorry Donny, too late.
The UK only kept the falklands because the political timing suited, it was politically important at the time and the area of sea between Antarctica and South America was a crucial testing ground for the specialist weapons that still keep the UK’s interests safe to this day and mean that we need very few personnel or pieces of hardware.
Maggie only needed the Falklands for votes and cool weapons, the British government really isn’t interested in the islands at all anymore.