Trump leaves the US line on Falklands sovereignty open
Donald Trump told reporters he reviews every position when asked whether he was reconsidering US support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Washington officially takes no side but practically recognises British administration. The review is reportedly part of Pentagon measures to incentivise NATO allies like the UK to hit a 5 percent defence spending target. An unnamed US official separately suggested the stance could change if Britain missed defence spending commitments.
Geopolitics··Morning
Trump says the Falklands stance is one of many positions under review
Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he always reviews every position and that this was one of many, when asked whether he was reconsidering US support for British sovereignty over the Falklands. Officially Washington takes no side on who holds rightful sovereignty over the archipelago; in practice it recognises British administration. Britain first claimed the islands in the late 17th century and has held them almost continually since 1833, and Argentina also claims them.[1], [2]
The Pentagon prepares measures to push NATO allies toward a 5 percent spending target
The review was part of Pentagon measures aimed at incentivising NATO allies like the UK to hit a 5 percent defence spending target, involving potential opposition to British sovereignty. The government of the new British prime minister, Andy Burnham, is under US pressure over its defence budget. An unnamed US official told the Telegraph last week that Washington could change its position if Britain failed to meet its defence spending commitments.[1], [2]
Healey prepares to drop the 3 percent defence pledge
Reports have indicated that John Healey, the UK chancellor, was preparing to drop the prior commitment to spend 3 percent of GDP on defence by 2030 when he delivers his first budget on 28 October. At a summit in The Hague last year, NATO allies committed to 5 percent of GDP on defence and security-related spending by 2035. Argentina invaded the islands in 1982; 649 Argentinian and 255 British personnel died before Britain recovered them.[1], [2]
