The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

This resource tracked statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus was given to the comments and activities of President Donald J. Trump; Vice President Mike Pence; United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson; former Secretary of Defense James Mattis; and former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper.

Methodology

All Posts

Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka

"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the phone today. During the call, Secretary Esper congratulated the President on his successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conclusion of parliamentary elections, and urged continued progress on reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka. The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that ensures the sovereignty of all nations. Reviewing common bilateral defense priorities, they noted opportunities to enhance military professionalization…

Secretary Esper's Remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 25th Anniversary Speaker Event

IISS Special Presentation with Secretary Esper - US Indo-Pacific Policy

Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Momen

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship and discuss our continued cooperation to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Momen reviewed the more than $43 million in COVID-19 assistance that the United States has provided thus far to Bangladesh and discussed Bangladesh’s critical role in the international response to the pandemic by manufacturing emergency medical and protective supplies. Secretary Pompeo commended Foreign Minister Momen for Bangladesh’s…

Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Gunawardena

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to reaffirm our partnership with the people of Sri Lanka and our commitment to supporting the country’s development and sovereignty. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Gunawardena discussed our mutual interest in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and shared commitment to economic stability and sustainable growth. The two leaders also discussed the United States’ ongoing COVID-19 assistance to Sri Lanka, which totals almost $6 million to date, and reviewed the longstanding U.S.-Sri…

Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Nepali Foreign Minister Gyawali

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali to reaffirm the U.S.-Nepal relationship, including ongoing cooperation to address shared challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Gyawali reviewed the $7.3 million in COVID-19 assistance that the United States has provided to date to Nepal, which builds on the $600 million in health programming assistance that the United States has provided over the past two decades, and the two leaders pledged to remain in contact on…

Anniversary of the Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka

"Today we mark the anniversary of the terrorist bombings that shattered the peace of Sri Lanka and the world on Easter morning one year ago. These malicious attacks targeted churches and hotels, places where people had gone to worship and to enjoy time together on a holiday. We remember the more than 250 victims of these ISIS-inspired attacks, including five U.S. citizens, and extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of this brutality, and pray for…

Bangladesh Independence Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh on your Independence Day on March 26 as you commemorate the centennial of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Father of the Nation,” ahead of your 2021 Golden Jubilee.

Over the past 49 years, the United States and Bangladesh have enjoyed a strong friendship and close cooperation on sustainable economic development, regional stability, and peacekeeping.

The United States remains committed to deepening…

Sri Lanka’s Independence Day

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to Sri Lanka as you celebrate the 72nd anniversary of your independence on February 4.

Our relationship is based on common democratic values, and the United States steadfastly supports Sri Lanka’s vibrant democracy and its sovereignty. We share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region that ensures peace, economic growth, security, democracy, and human rights for the advancement of our peoples. I look forward to deepening our ties in…

Remarks by Secretary Ross at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lunar New Year Celebration

"I am happy to participate in today’s Lunar New Year celebration with everyone involved in the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.I am also pleased to co-chair this initiative with our esteemed Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. This initiative aims to positively impact the lives of the fastest growing minority population in America.Many thanks also to Vice President Mike Pence, Labor Secretary Scalia, USPS Chairman Mike Duncan, and the Initiative’s new Executive Director, Tina Smith, for joining us here today.A warm welcome to…

Bhutan National Day

"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan on the occasion of your National Day on December 17.

The United States deeply appreciates the warm ties between the American and Bhutanese people. Our peoples share a commitment to democracy and the rules of law, as well as a deep interest in the promise of scientific discovery and innovation to advance prosperity. We applaud the vision of The King as he guides the country…