US President Donald Trump has criticized the UK’s deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategically important Diego Garcia island, to Mauritius, calling it an “act of total weakness” and “great stupidity”.
Where is Chagos Island ?
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, house a vital US-UK military base. The deal, signed in May 2025, hands the islands to Mauritius but retains UK control of the Diego Garcia base under a 99-year lease.
Trump’s comments mark a reversal of his previous support for the deal, which was welcomed by the US and UK governments. The UK government defends the deal, citing national security reasons, saying the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined their position.
The Chagos Islands were forcibly displaced by Britain in the late 1960s and 1970s to establish the Diego Garcia base. The deal pays Mauritius £101 million ($136 million) per year to secure the installation.
Why Chagos Island was Important to the UK?
The base has been used for various military operations, including strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. Britain’s senior minister Darren Jones says the deal is already done and can’t be changed.
Trump’s attack strains relations with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who spoke out against Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland. The UK government is focusing on diplomatic channels to navigate Trump’s aims.
Some UK Conservatives, like Kemi Badenoch, agree with Trump, saying the deal weakens UK security. Chagossians, displaced from the islands, also oppose the deal, citing lack of consultation.
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