US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on the UK government, calling Keir Starmer’s Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius “an act of great stupidity.”
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the agreement, which transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while maintaining the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, as a move that could weaken the United Kingdom on the global stage.
The criticism comes just a day after Starmer urged calm between the US and NATO allies amid rising tensions over Greenland, signaling the UK’s desire to maintain steady diplomatic relations while implementing strategic agreements.
Trump’s statement marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, highlighting the complex interplay between UK foreign policy and US strategic interests.
The Chagos Islands deal itself, signed last year, transfers formal sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius. However, under the agreement, the Diego Garcia military base, one of the most strategically important US military installations outside the continental United States, will remain under British and American control.
The UK has committed to paying Mauritius at least £120 million annually during the 99-year lease-back arrangement, resulting in a total financial commitment of at least £13 billion over the term of the deal.
Trump’s post on Truth Social accused the UK of “giving away extremely important land” to Mauritius, arguing that such actions demonstrate weakness to other global powers, including China and Russia.
He framed the move as a threat to international perceptions of strength, stating, “These are international powers who only recognize strength, which is why the United States of America, under my leadership, is now, after only one year, respected like never before.”
The former US president also tied the Chagos Islands deal to his ongoing emphasis on Greenland as a strategic priority. Trump suggested that the US should acquire Greenland, claiming that this Arctic territory is crucial for national security and global influence.
He further shared images, reportedly AI-generated, of himself and his administration planting an American flag on Greenland, highlighting his focus on asserting US dominance in key regions.
Despite Trump’s harsh critique, UK officials have stressed that the Chagos Islands deal cannot be reversed.
The chief secretary to the prime minister, speaking to Times Radio, emphasized that the treaty has been legally signed with the Mauritian government and that the Diego Garcia military base will continue to operate for the next 100 years.
The official said: “We’ve secured that island as a military base for the UK and for our NATO allies, including the United States. This is a vital strategic asset, and the sovereignty arrangements do not compromise its operations.”
Keir Starmer, meanwhile, has defended the agreement, framing it as a pragmatic compromise that balances diplomatic relations with Mauritius and security interests with the United States. Starmer’s office emphasized that the deal allows the UK to uphold commitments to international law while maintaining the operational integrity of Diego Garcia.
Officials also highlighted that the financial terms of the lease provide significant economic benefit to Mauritius, supporting development and stability in the region.
Historically, the Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, were part of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The islands, particularly Diego Garcia, have long held strategic military importance. During the Cold War, the base was crucial for monitoring Soviet activities in the region, and today it remains a central hub for US military operations, including surveillance, communications, and rapid deployment capabilities.
The islands’ strategic location allows the US and UK to maintain a military presence near major shipping lanes and emerging geopolitical hotspots in Asia and Africa.
Trump’s criticism has drawn a mix of reactions from political figures in the UK. Some opposition politicians echoed his concerns, arguing that the deal compromises national security.
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: “We’ve opposed this from day one. It’s time Starmer put the security of our country first and reconsidered this deal.” Similarly, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised Trump’s intervention, stating: “Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos Islands.”
On the other hand, government officials and Starmer’s allies maintain that the deal represents a balanced and responsible approach to foreign policy. They emphasize that Diego Garcia remains fully operational and that the UK has ensured that its strategic interests are not compromised.
The chief secretary remarked: “The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been transferred, but the military base – which is essential for both UK and US interests – is secure for the next century.”
The financial arrangement with Mauritius has also been a key aspect of the agreement. The UK will pay a minimum of £120 million annually to lease back the base, with the total expected cost over 99 years exceeding £13 billion.
This arrangement is designed to compensate Mauritius while protecting the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, creating a framework in which both parties benefit.
Trump’s critique comes as he prepares to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Starmer, however, will not be attending, citing scheduling challenges.
Trump’s focus on Greenland, paired with his comments on the Chagos Islands deal, reflects his broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes territorial acquisitions and a perception of American strength on the global stage.
Experts on international relations note that while Trump’s rhetoric is provocative, it does not change the operational realities of the agreement.
Dr. Sarah Lennox, a geopolitical analyst, said: “The Chagos Islands deal is legally binding and strategically sound. While Trump may criticize it for political purposes, the UK retains control of Diego Garcia, and NATO allies continue to benefit from its capabilities.”
The Chagos Islands deal also raises broader questions about sovereignty, international law, and post-colonial arrangements.
The islands were controversially depopulated in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the military base, leading to longstanding disputes over the rights of the Chagossian people.
The agreement with Mauritius represents an attempt to reconcile historical grievances while ensuring that strategic military interests are preserved.
In conclusion, the Chagos Islands deal remains a point of international attention. Trump’s criticism highlights the tension between US and UK perspectives on global strategy, while UK officials emphasize that the arrangement secures both sovereignty and strategic interests.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing diplomatic relations with Mauritius, protecting the Diego Garcia military base, and navigating complex geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
The UK government insists that the treaty is final, the military base is secured, and the financial terms benefit Mauritius.
Meanwhile, Trump’s public condemnation serves as a reminder of how high-profile political figures can influence public perception and international discourse, even when legal agreements are already in place.
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