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.

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Republic of the Marshall Islands National Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in celebration of your 41st Constitution Day.

Our two nations share a unique and deep-rooted friendship. I had the privilege of witnessing this bond and experiencing your hospitality during my visit to your country last August.

The United States is grateful to the Marshallese citizens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Republic of the Marshall Islands remains a…

Nauru’s Independence Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Nauru in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of your independence on January 31.

The United States has enjoyed close ties with Nauru for over half a century, dating back to the days prior to your national independence. Shared values are at the heart of our relationship, including a commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law. We also share a commitment to…

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lunar New Year Celebration

"THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all very much for that very warm welcome. And on behalf of the President of the United States and the First Family: Welcome to the White House. (Applause.)

And join me in thanking an extraordinary leader. I just — as soon as I heard her voice, I had to jump out from behind the curtain. (Laughter.) She is not only the 18th Secretary of Transportation, but frankly, she is one of the most distinguished public servants in the United…

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…

The Federated States of Micronesia’s National Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Federated States of Micronesia on the 33rd anniversary of your independence on November 3.

The United States and the Federated States of Micronesia have a long friendship based on a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. To achieve this vision, we have worked together to promote regional stability and enhance economic development. I was honored to be the first Secretary of State to visit the Federated States of Micronesia…

Tonga’s National Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Kingdom of Tonga as you celebrate your 144th National Day this year on November 4, 2019.

The United States and Tonga have a long friendship based on strong people-to-people ties, common values, and a shared commitment to building and safeguarding free and open trade, communities, and cultural exchange between us and our friends and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Our enduring friendship, founded on these principles, is manifested through programs such…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at The Heritage Foundation

"The truth is that China is a strategic competitor at best that uses coercion and corruption as its tools of statecraft. (Applause.) The truth is that we can’t rely on failed strategies to convince Chairman Kim to give up his nuclear weapons; there’s still much work to be done. [...]And I traveled not just to Australia, India, and Thailand to present our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, but I also had the opportunity to be the first Secretary of State in history to…

Remarks by Secretary Esper at an Honor Cordon Welcoming President of the Federated States of Micronesia Panuelo to the Pentagon

"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well, President Panuelo, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Pentagon and to meet you for the first time. Thank you very much for coming here today.

I understand you just arrived from a visit to INDOPACOM, and I hope you enjoyed your meeting with our personnel in Hawaii.

The security relationship between the United States and Micronesia continues to be very close, and I'm hopeful it will get even closer.

We are very proud, as you…

Palau National Day

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and the citizens of Palau as you mark your 25th Independence Day.

This occasion also marks 25 years of diplomatic ties between Palau and the United States. The bond between our peoples has existed far longer, resting on the foundation of democratic values, respect for human rights, and a safe and secure Indo-Pacific region. Nothing speaks to our close relationship more than the events that took place seventy-five years ago, when U.S…

Tuvalu’s Independence Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the people of Tuvalu in recognition of the 41st anniversary of your independence on October 1.

The United States has been a friend of Tuvalu since your independence in 1978, and our close ties extend back to earlier generations. We welcome your commitment to advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with other democracies in the Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and…