Falkland Islanders invite Trump to visit amid Argentine intimidation

Falkland Islanders have invited US President Donald Trump to visit the archipelago so he can see for himself how proudly British they are. The invitation comes after recent weeks in which Trump appeared less than supportive of Britain's claim over the islands during a war of words with Argentina over sovereignty.

The acting chair of the Falklands Legislative Assembly said the president would be welcome. "Now, of course, yeah we'd welcome anyone and I think we have a lot in common with America," the chair said. "You know in terms of our self-determination and wanting to be able to decide your own future. So I think we've got a lot in common in that way." The chair added that Secretary Rubio had confirmed the American position had not changed, so the US stance remained the same and the invitation was there if Trump wanted to come.

Islanders said they were surprised by Trump's tone given his pride in his British roots and the fact his mother was born in the Outer Hebrides, an island chain they likened to the rugged beauty of the Falklands. Many people on the islands said the US president should come and see how proudly British they are. One local phrase captured the mood: if you cut them, they bleed red, white and blue.

Falkland Islander Mike Summers said Trump's lack of enthusiasm for Britain's claim was probably linked to anger over the UK's perceived lack of support over the war in Iran. He said odd comments about whether Trump might support the Argentine position could be read as an attempt to pressure the UK government on other issues. Islanders hoped Trump would be guided by Lady Thatcher's words in 1982: "They are few in number, but they have the right to live in peace," she said, and to "choose their own way of life and to determine their own allegiance."

A keen golfer, Trump might be brave enough to battle the winds around some of the islands' courses. But the presidential motorcade, including "the beast" and at least 20 other vehicles, might be more than local roads could cope with.

The invitation has been made against a backdrop of what islanders describe as a sustained campaign of intimidation by Argentinians. This has included cyber attacks and abusive phone calls. Review sites for businesses around the Falklands have been regularly attacked and spammed with hostile comments saying the British should leave. Businesses have also received direct phone calls, and one Chilean woman working in the islands was sworn at and called a traitor for working with the Islanders. There have been attempts to get into people's social media accounts to send out spam messages and anti-Falklands or anti-British content.

Islanders said the campaign had been relentless and long running. They said they respected the right of Argentinians to visit, especially those who want to visit the Argentinian war grave, but that visitors had to be respectful. Recently, flag-waving Argentinians have come along the seafront, some wearing Argentinian football tops, which caused sensitivity locally. Tension has heightened with Argentine President Javier Milei, which has ramped up attention on the Falklands again.