Trump Slams UK Over Chagos Islands Deal with Mauritius

LONDON / WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the United Kingdom over its decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the move a serious mistake that could undermine Western security and embolden global rivals. His remarks have triggered diplomatic friction between two close allies and reignited debate over the future of one of the world’s most strategically important military bases.

The criticism centers on a deal finalized last year between the UK and Mauritius, under which Britain agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago while retaining long-term access to Diego Garcia, home to a major joint U.S.-UK military base. The agreement includes a long-term lease arrangement intended to ensure continued military operations in the Indian Ocean, a region seen as increasingly vital amid rising competition with China and Russia.

In a public statement, Trump described the deal as “an act of great stupidity,” arguing that Britain had given up critical territory for little strategic gain. He warned that the decision would be closely watched by adversaries and could weaken Western influence in a key geopolitical corridor. The remarks marked a notable shift in tone, as U.S. officials had previously indicated support for the arrangement on the grounds that it secured the future of the Diego Garcia base.

British officials moved quickly to defend the agreement, stressing that national and allied security would not be compromised. A government spokesperson said the deal was the result of years of legal and diplomatic pressure, including international court rulings that challenged the UK’s claim to the islands. According to London, the agreement provides legal certainty for the continued operation of the military base while resolving a long-running sovereignty dispute.

The Chagos Islands issue has been contentious for decades. Britain separated the territory from Mauritius in the 1960s, before granting Mauritius independence, and later cleared the islands’ inhabitants to make way for the base on Diego Garcia. The International Court of Justice has since advised that the UK should end its administration of the archipelago, a position supported by the United Nations General Assembly.

Trump’s comments have also fueled political debate within the UK. Some opposition figures echoed his concerns, arguing that the government surrendered sovereign territory and weakened Britain’s global standing. Others countered that the deal was unavoidable and ultimately protects Western military interests by keeping the base operational under international law.

Mauritius has welcomed the agreement as a historic step toward correcting a colonial-era injustice, though some Chagossians say they were not fully consulted and remain uncertain about when, or if, they will be able to return to their homeland.

The dispute comes at a sensitive moment in transatlantic relations, with Western governments seeking unity amid global security challenges. While both Washington and London insist that cooperation on defense remains strong, Trump’s blunt criticism has underscored differing views on how best to balance legal obligations, historical grievances, and strategic priorities.

As the deal moves toward implementation, the future of the Chagos Islands is set to remain a focal point of diplomatic debate, testing the resilience of UK-U.S. relations and highlighting the complex legacy of geopolitics in the Indian Ocean.

Discover More Government Delays Vote on “Hillsborough Law”