Donald Trump slammed the UK for returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a “great stupidity” and warning it signals weakness to global rivals.
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United States President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the United Kingdom's decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Trump referred to this step as an “act of great stupidity,” saying that China and Russia will view this move as an indicator of weakness.
Trump made these comments on his Truth Social page as he vented about Britain’s agreement regarding the transfer of the Indian Ocean archipelago. This Indian Ocean archipelago includes the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, home to a significant UK-US military base.
“Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is presently planning to giveaway the Island of Diego Garcia, home to an essential United States Military Base, to the government of Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER," Trump tweeted.
He went on to say that the move would by no means pass unnoticed by international rivals. “There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness," he continued, “because only STRENGTH is what great countries recognize.”
Trump then linked the issue to his long-standing argument that the United States must acquire Greenland for security reasons. “The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING," he wrote.
Trump criticised the UK for ceding the islands to Mauritius, claiming the move was reckless and weakened Western influence. His post warned that China and Russia would see Britain’s actions as a sign of vulnerability.
Trump’s latest comments represent a shift from his previous stance. When the deal was signed in May, the US had supported the agreement, highlighting its importance in maintaining the military base at Diego Garcia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said Washington “welcomes the historic agreement," emphasizing the “long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia, which is critical to regional and global security."
Trump then linked the issue to his long-standing argument that the United States must acquire Greenland for security reasons. “The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING," he wrote.
The agreement allows Britain to formally return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while paying to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. This ensures continued operation of the strategically vital US-UK military base, which is central to operations in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Britain had retained the islands after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s, forcibly removing thousands of islanders between 1967 and 1973. Many of these displaced residents have pursued legal claims for compensation.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice recommended that Britain hand the islands over to Mauritius, increasing pressure on London to resolve the dispute.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that without the agreement, there were significant legal and strategic challenges facing the UK. This included the potential for other nations establishing their interests in nearby islands. The UK government recognized that the agreement had the backing of other important allies and that it was the only means for retaining control.
India has hailed the return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, terming it an important step in its decolonisation process. In a statement, The Ministry of External Affairs expressed support for Mauritius’ “legitimate claim" by terming it “a positive development for the region.”
India has also reasserted its commitment to cooperation with Mauritius and other countries to promote maritime security and achieve peace and stability within the region of the Indian Ocean.
