Speaking to GB News on Thursday, Trump was asked whether the United States would come to the UK’s aid if Argentina attempted to challenge British control of the islands, BBC reported.
Trump recalled Britain’s conduct during the 1982 Falklands War, saying the country had handled the conflict strongly. “I was there when they had the first war… I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well. You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away,” he said.
He then referred to the UK’s role in the ongoing US war with Iran, saying, “Your country was not there to help me.”
The US president stressed that American forces had not actually needed assistance. However, he said he had asked NATO and then-prime minister Sir Keir Starmer why Britain had not sent ships.
“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?’”
According to Trump, Starmer told him that no vessels were available. The US president described the response as “pretty sad”.
Trump also criticised NATO allies, saying many depended heavily on oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz but had not provided support to the United States.
“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,” he remarked.
Trump’s latest comments came days after he said Washington was reviewing its position on the Falkland Islands.
“I always review every position. That’s just one of many,” he told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday.
The review remarks came after reports that the US could use its position on the islands to pressure Britain to increase defence spending. The proposal was reportedly among measures being considered to encourage NATO members to meet their defence commitments.
Asked whether he wanted Britain to raise its spending, Trump said the UK had “some problems” but would resolve them.
The Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, have remained at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between London and Buenos Aires for decades.
Britain and Argentina fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982 after Argentine forces occupied the territory. Britain regained control, and the dispute has continued despite the absence of another armed conflict.
Washington currently recognises British administration of the islands while maintaining a neutral position on the competing sovereignty claims. Trump’s latest remarks have now brought renewed attention to the extent of US support for Britain should the long-running Falklands dispute develop into another conflict.
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