US President Donald Trump has suggested he is reconsidering American support for Britain's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said, "I always review every position – that’s just one of many," when asked about the US stance on the South Atlantic archipelago.
The US officially holds a neutral position on the sovereignty of the islands, which Argentina claims, but in practice recognises British administration. Britain has held the islands almost continuously since 1833.
These comments are seen as the clearest indication that the Trump administration may use the dispute to pressure the new British prime minister, Andy Burnham, to increase defence spending and contributions to Nato. This follows reports that UK Chancellor John Healey may drop a commitment to devote 3% of GDP to defence spending by 2030 in his budget on 28 October.
President Trump has previously prioritised pressuring allies to boost defence budgets. Speculation about a potential US shift on the islands has been ongoing for months, with a leaked Pentagon email in April reportedly suggesting a review of Britain's claim due to its lack of support for a decision to go to war with Iran.