A recent report indicates that Washington might use the Falkland Islands issue to pressure Britain regarding its NATO defense commitments. This notion was swiftly dismissed by a former Pentagon official, who asserted that the U.S. stance on Falklands neutrality remains unchanged.
Morgan Murphy, a former press secretary of the War Department, informed Fox News Digital that the U.S. has not shifted its position regarding Falkland sovereignty. However, he suggests the Trump administration could exert diplomatic pressure on London’s military budget.
“You don’t take the security and skip the bill. That is free-riding,” Murphy stated. “Friends tell friends the check is due. Squeeze is accountability.”
The issue intensified following reports that U.K. Chancellor John Healey might announce the government will abandon its 3% GDP defense spending target by 2030. This announcement is expected during his first budget presentation in October, per The Financial Times.
The tension surfaces during a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe, directed by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby. Meanwhile, Washington is encouraging European allies and Canada to enhance their roles in NATO’s conventional defense.
Murphy emphasized the distinction between speculative reports and official positions, stating, “Policy experts know the difference between an unsourced whisper to a British paper that ‘nothing is being ruled out’ and an official word from the White House.” He insisted the U.S. remains neutral on Falkland sovereignty, recognizing British administration of the islands.
Regarding an April report on a Pentagon email proposing a U.S. review of its Falklands position, Murphy highlighted the absence of confirmation, adding, “I have not seen that email. The Pentagon did not confirm it. The official word that followed was the same U.S. position we have now: neutral on sovereignty, recognize British administration.”
Murphy reiterated that while no changes on the Falklands stance are forthcoming, the U.S. continues to apply diplomatic pressure on Britain regarding defense obligations. Current forecasts suggest U.K. defense spending will hit 2.7% of GDP by 2030, with the government expected to establish a new timeline to achieve the 3% target by 2035.
The 2025 Hague Summit Declaration sees NATO allies committing to an annual defense expenditure of 5% of GDP by 2035, including a minimum of 3.5% for core defense needs. The expectations include annual plans to attain NATO capability targets.
Murphy pointed out, “Last year in The Hague they signed up for 5% by 2035, which won headlines, but Britain still will not lock 3% by 2030.” He remarked on the tendency to treat treaty commitments as optional.
“Describing potential U.S. pressure as ‘leverage, not abandonment,’ Murphy stated pushing Britain to bolster defense spending serves the national security interests of both nations,”
Murphy also noted, “After Wales in 2014, most of Europe missed the 2% guideline while the U.S. shouldered the load as usual.” He emphasized the U.S.’s role in providing defense support through various means.
Pressure from Washington is expected to continue through public pronouncements from the president, annual Hague reviews, and other diplomatic measures. “The special relationship is a privilege, not a welfare program,” Murphy affirmed.
A U.K. government spokesperson reported via Sky News, “The UK is playing a central role in NATO and strengthening collective defense across Europe. We are NATO’s third-largest cash spender on defense and the only European NATO member to commit our nuclear deterrent to the alliance.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Pentagon and 10 Downing Street for further comments.
Emma Bussey contributed to this report as a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, previously working at The Telegraph across various desks including foreign, politics, news, sports, and culture.