Falkland Islanders ‘quick to respond’ to Donald Trump over US backing of Argentina claims

A Falklands War veteran has said islanders are “quick to respond” to threats to the archipelago. It was reported on Friday that support from the United States for Britain’s sovereingty over the islands could be reviewed, as Donald Trump’s administration continues to be frustrated at some European countries not providing what it deems to be adequate support for it and Israel’s war against Iran.

A leaked Pentagon document suggested that “imperial possessions” could be examined, which would include the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. South Georgia and the Falklands were invaded by Argentina in 1982, before a taskforce sent by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ousted them.

A military presence remains on the archipelago, including Typhoon fighter jets, which can be seen swooping over Stanley, the island’s capital. The noise they make is referred to by locals as “the sound of freedom”. Argentina’s President, Javier Milei has said he does not want another war, but he wants to gain sovereignty over the Falklands diplomatically.

He posted on X: “THE MALVINAS WERE, ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE ARGENTINE.”

Gary Clement MBE, 70, who served as a Royal Marine in the Commando Logistic Regiment, has lived on the islands for 35 years.

He told GB News that the most recent diplomatic tensions has left residents “very concerned”.

The pensioner said when the “slightest thing” threatens the islands, residents are “quick to respond”.

This comes after he told the Express that he was glad the British government has “come out very strongly against” Mr Trump.

He added: “We just have to live with these things. It’s a constant here, part of living in the Falkland Islands. The Argentinian claim is always there.

“They’re trying politically all the time now. So, I don’t think this will make much of a difference to us on the islands, anyway.”

He does not believe that Mr Trump would listen to him, were he in a position to say something to him.

Mr Clement said regarding what he has perceived to be veterans’ overall reaction that “no one’s treating it with any seriousness”.

King Charles III is to begin his State Visit to the United States today.

He has been urged to raise the Falklands with the President.

Patrick Watts MBE was the radio station manager in Stanley when the Argentines invaded in 1982.

He urged Mr Trump to leave the islands alone, and the monarch to “step up to the plate”.

Mr Watts said: “I would say that if ever the Falkland Islands needed the support of their monarch, this is it.

“This is the time when King Charles has to step up to the plate and really tell Donald Trump who the Falklands are, who owns the Falklands and what the people’s desires are. And I hope he will.”