Britain would struggle to defend the Falkland Islands if Donald Trump decided to target the territory, experts have warned after his threats against Greenland.

22:12, Wed, Jan 7, 2026 Updated: 22:23, Wed, Jan 7, 2026

Trump

Trumps rhetoric has grown fiery (Image: Getty)

Britain may struggle to defend the Falkland Islands if US President Donald Trump decided to target the British territory, experts have warned. The alarming scenario was raised on a Sky News podcast after a listener asked journalists Martha Kelner and James Matthews a chilling question: "Would Britain defend the Falklands if Trump had plans to take them?"

Matthews acknowledged the gravity of the hypothetical, saying: "The Falklands, sovereign UK territory of course." He added: "Nobody is suggesting they would be on Trump's wanted list, yet. But of course they are very much on Argentina's, still are today as much as they were in 1982." The journalist pointed out a crucial weakness in Britain's position, the United States was a key ally during the 1982 Falklands War when Argentina invaded.

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Matthews said: "The United States then were a key factor." But with Trump's close relationship with Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei, that support could no longer be guaranteed.

He added: "Trump's got a pretty special relationship with Argentina's President, Milei." He concluded ominously: "So who knows? There would certainly be a doubt of US support for Britain."

It comes as President Donald Trump sparked international fury by threatening to use military force to seize Greenland from NATO ally Denmark. The White House confirmed recently that "utilizing the US military is always an option" as Trump pursues what he calls a "national security priority" to acquire the vast Arctic territory.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President and his team are "discussing a range of options" to take control of Greenland, which is home to a strategically vital US military base.

The extraordinary threat has sent shockwaves through Europe, with leaders from Denmark, Germany, France, the UK and other NATO allies issuing a joint statement warning Trump to back off.

"Greenland belongs to its people," the European leaders declared, adding that they "will not stop defending" the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Trump

Trump is close allies with the Argentine President (Image: Getty)

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US attack on Greenland would destroy NATO, calling Trump's threats "utterly unacceptable." He demanded Trump stop threatening its historical ally", adding "it is absolutely absurd to say that the United States should take control of Greenland."

Trump claims Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory covering 836,000 square miles – is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships" and that Denmark cannot adequately defend it.

The fiery rhetoric has escalated dramatically since US forces attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, emboldening Trump's territorial ambitions.

Senior Trump advisor Stephen Miller told CNN that "the United States should have Greenland" and refused to rule out military force, questioning Denmark's right to control the territory.