Trump Criticizes UK’s Chagos Islands Deal Amid Greenland Acquisition Ambitions
Published 20 January 2026
Highlights
- Donald Trump criticized the UK's decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an "act of great stupidity."
- The UK signed a £3.4 billion agreement in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty but retain a military base on Diego Garcia.
- Trump previously endorsed the deal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as a "monumental achievement."
- The deal has sparked political controversy in the UK, with opposition from figures like Nigel Farage and Priti Patel.
- Trump's comments link the Chagos deal to his ambitions to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns.
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Rewritten Article
Trump Criticizes UK’s Chagos Islands Deal Amid Greenland Acquisition Ambitions
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has condemned the United Kingdom's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, labeling it an "act of great stupidity." This criticism comes despite Trump's previous endorsement of the £3.4 billion agreement, which allows the UK to maintain a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago.
A Shift in US Stance
The agreement, signed in May 2025, was initially hailed as a "monumental achievement" by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He emphasized the deal's importance for regional and global security, highlighting the enduring strength of the US-UK relationship. However, Trump's recent comments suggest a significant shift in his stance, as he now ties the Chagos deal to his broader national security agenda, including his controversial efforts to acquire Greenland.
Political Fallout in the UK
The deal has ignited political controversy within the UK, drawing criticism from opposition figures such as Nigel Farage and Priti Patel. Farage, leader of Reform UK, praised Trump's veto of the agreement, while Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, echoed Trump's concerns, calling the deal a "bad deal for Britain and bad for our national security." The agreement, which includes a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, has yet to be ratified by the UK government and faces significant opposition in the House of Lords.
Historical and Legal Context
The Chagos Islands have long been a point of contention. The UK purchased the islands in 1968 and forcibly displaced up to 2,000 Chagossians to establish a joint military base with the US. This move has been widely criticized as a crime against humanity. In 2019, the International Court of Justice advised that the UK should cede control of the islands, prompting the current agreement with Mauritius.
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Scenario Analysis
The unfolding situation presents several potential outcomes. If the UK government proceeds with ratifying the agreement, it may face intensified domestic opposition and strain its relationship with the US. Conversely, backing out of the deal could damage the UK's international standing, especially given the legal opinions from the International Court of Justice. Experts suggest that Trump's comments could further complicate US-UK relations, particularly if his Greenland acquisition ambitions gain traction. As the situation develops, the geopolitical implications of the Chagos Islands deal will likely continue to reverberate on the global stage.
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has condemned the United Kingdom's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, labeling it an "act of great stupidity." This criticism comes despite Trump's previous endorsement of the £3.4 billion agreement, which allows the UK to maintain a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago.
A Shift in US Stance
The agreement, signed in May 2025, was initially hailed as a "monumental achievement" by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He emphasized the deal's importance for regional and global security, highlighting the enduring strength of the US-UK relationship. However, Trump's recent comments suggest a significant shift in his stance, as he now ties the Chagos deal to his broader national security agenda, including his controversial efforts to acquire Greenland.
Political Fallout in the UK
The deal has ignited political controversy within the UK, drawing criticism from opposition figures such as Nigel Farage and Priti Patel. Farage, leader of Reform UK, praised Trump's veto of the agreement, while Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, echoed Trump's concerns, calling the deal a "bad deal for Britain and bad for our national security." The agreement, which includes a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, has yet to be ratified by the UK government and faces significant opposition in the House of Lords.
Historical and Legal Context
The Chagos Islands have long been a point of contention. The UK purchased the islands in 1968 and forcibly displaced up to 2,000 Chagossians to establish a joint military base with the US. This move has been widely criticized as a crime against humanity. In 2019, the International Court of Justice advised that the UK should cede control of the islands, prompting the current agreement with Mauritius.
What this might mean
The unfolding situation presents several potential outcomes. If the UK government proceeds with ratifying the agreement, it may face intensified domestic opposition and strain its relationship with the US. Conversely, backing out of the deal could damage the UK's international standing, especially given the legal opinions from the International Court of Justice. Experts suggest that Trump's comments could further complicate US-UK relations, particularly if his Greenland acquisition ambitions gain traction. As the situation develops, the geopolitical implications of the Chagos Islands deal will likely continue to reverberate on the global stage.
