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.
The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations
All Posts
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On the Passing of Tongan Prime Minister Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the people of Tonga on the passing of Prime Minister Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva on September 12.
Prime Minister Pōhiva was a respected leader in the Pacific long before he was elected to head Tonga’s government. His hard work and dedication throughout his life and career steered the course of politics in Tonga and strengthened regional cohesion. His energetic engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum just…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Pacific Islands Leaders at Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, President Panuelo and President Heine, and Vice President Oilouch. Thank you for the positive, productive meetings today. It is the case, when we flew in, it was absolutely beautiful, and for anyone watching, this is a great place just to come visit. All of them, not just here, but the Marshall Islands as well as Palau. I would encourage everyone to come, bring your family, spend money, and you will be – you will love to meet the wonderful people of…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo At a Wreath Laying at the Memorial to Federated States of Micronesia Veterans of U.S. Armed Forces
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, President Panuelo and First Lady. Thank you for hosting us. And we’re thankful for the opportunity to commemorate the sons and daughters of Micronesia who served in the United States armed forces and who paid the ultimate price. Many of your citizens join our young men and women in putting their lives at risk on behalf of freedom and democracy around the world, and America appreciates their willingness to serve on our nation’s behalf.
Today we all have the privilege of…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks to Traveling Press En Route to Bangkok, Thailand - Indo-Pacific
"SECRETARY POMPEO: So just a couple things, if I may, just to sort of set what caused me to take this trip. So we’ll be gathering with a bunch of countries that we have worked closely with on many different things, and you’ll see that I’ll have a series of bilats. Many of these are like-minded countries who share our vision for what the region should look like and how economic growth will – ought to be achieved. And so I’m looking forward to that…
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Kiribati National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to the people of the Republic of Kiribati as you celebrate the 40th year of your nation’s independence this July 12.
The deep ties our two nations forged during the Battle of Tarawa have developed into a longstanding partnership. Together, we are committed to tackling the region’s most pressing issues, such as natural disaster preparedness and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, while advancing economic development, strengthening the rule of law, and…
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Solomon Islands’ National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes as you celebrate your National Day on July 7.
The United States and Solomon Islands enjoy a fruitful partnership across many areas. We look forward to expanding our engagement in the year ahead with your new Administration. Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Threshold Program, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation on fisheries, our relationship is strong. We welcome your commitment to advancing our shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region with other…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With the Republic of Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, and Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today in Washington with Republic of Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, and Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo. They discussed our enduring partnerships, enshrined in our Compacts of Free Association, which remain a source of stability in the Indo-Pacific and our shared values of democracy and respect for the rule of law. They also discussed continued support for global efforts to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea."
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Timor-Leste National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my sincere congratulations to the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the 17th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence on May 20.
This important anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the historic bonds and deep friendship between the United States and Timor-Leste. Over the years, our partnership with Timor-Leste has advanced steadily based on our shared values of democracy, economic progress, and promoting regional stability.
The United States sends…
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President Donald J. Trump Signs Executive Order on the Economic Empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
"Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order “Economic Empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” in Celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Looking on were the council’s Co-Chairs: Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao; and its commissioners: Amata Coleman Radewagen, Delegate for the U.S. House of Representatives, American Samoa; Sean Reyes, State of Utah Attorney General; Dr. Paul Hsu of Florida; David B. Cohen of California; Y. Lee of Michigan; George Leing of Colorado; Jan-Ie…
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Republic of the Marshall Islands National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my highest regards to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on your 40th Constitution Day, May 1.
Our two countries share a deep friendship between our governments and our peoples. We are eternally grateful for the dedicated service of Marshallese citizens in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Marshall Islands is a key partner in creating a vision for the Indo-Pacific that is prosperous, safe, and secure. I look forward…