Trump blasts UK over Chagos Islands deal
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Britain’s decision to hand control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an act of “great stupidity” with no justification. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the move risks showing “total weakness” to Russia and China and questioned Britain’s strategic judgment regarding the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Diego Garcia military base remains under control
In October 2024, the UK announced it would transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, finalised by a treaty signed on 22 May 2025. Diego Garcia will be leased back to the UK for at least 99 years.
The Tribunal ruled that Mauritius holds a stake in key decisions affecting the archipelago’s future. Historically, the islands were part of France’s Indian Ocean territories until 1814, when they were ceded to the UK under the Treaty of Paris.
The Chagos Islands, including the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base, will remain under U.K. and U.S. operational control for the next 99 years. A U.K. government spokesperson stated that the agreement with Mauritius ensures the base’s capabilities are “kept intact and our adversaries out,” adding that the deal has been welcomed by the U.S., Australia, and other Five Eyes allies, as well as India, Japan, and South Korea.
The deal was a move initially supported by the Trump administration. The transfer follows Mauritius’ historical claims, stemming from the 1968 agreement for independence from Britain. Despite the sovereignty transfer, the treaty preserves joint U.K.-U.S. control of Diego Garcia, ensuring strategic stability in the Indian Ocean.
Political reactions in the UK
Trump’s intervention has fueled debate in the U.K. Starmer’s decision to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius has faced criticism from right-wing politicians. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, praised Trump’s stance, saying Americans were misled about the necessity of surrendering the islands. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also voiced agreement with Trump’s position, despite previously opposing his Greenland plans.
UK law and ongoing processes
The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, implementing the treaty in U.K. law, is still progressing through the House of Commons. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed that the treaty is legally binding and that Britain “can’t reverse the clock.”
Source: Politico
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