**Trump Slams UK’s Chagos Islands Deal, Sparking Diplomatic Fury**
Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump called the UK’s Chagos Islands sovereignty handover a “great stupidity.”
- This contradicts prior U.S. support for the UK-Mauritius deal reached in May 2025.
- The reversal raises new questions about UK diplomacy and U.S.-UK relations.
London — The topic “chagos islands” is trending after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY” on Truth Social within the last 24 hours. Trump’s unexpected shift has triggered a political firestorm both in the UK and internationally.
Trump Denounces Strategic Territory Transfer
Trump’s post slammed the UK for giving up sovereignty over Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago that hosts a vital U.S. military base. He argued that such a move diminishes national security and undermines geopolitical power. The rebuke clashes starkly with statements made earlier in May 2025, when Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had applauded the UK-Mauritius agreement, calling it a “monumental achievement.”
Under the contested deal, the UK would lease the Diego Garcia base back for 99 years at £101 million per year, retaining its strategic military role while transferring official sovereignty to Mauritius.
Reversal Disrupts Once-Harmonious UK-U.S. Policy
This dramatic U-turn has put pressure on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who only yesterday praised the strength of the “special relationship” with the U.S. in a Downing Street speech. Until now, foreign policy had been seen as one of Starmer’s diplomatic successes, with bipartisan support for the Chagos arrangement in both countries.
Opposition parties in the UK also seized on Trump’s comments. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, criticized the deal’s financial burden and legal basis, while Nigel Farage celebrated Trump’s intercession, warning the UK was “surrendering” territory that it had controlled since the 1960s. The surprise turn also revives debates around the 1965 separation of the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a move the latter claims was an illegal condition for independence.
Possible Fallout for UK Foreign Policy and NATO Ties
The fallout could deeply affect UK-American military and diplomatic strategy. Trump’s criticism has already raised uncertainty around scheduled visits by the British royal family to the U.S. and could strain cooperation during key geopolitical flashpoints. His remarks have also raised broader questions about U.S. intentions in the Indian Ocean and even revisited controversial remarks about annexing other territories, such as Greenland and Canada.
Short-term, the issue may stall momentum in UK foreign policy and reduce confidence in Prime Minister Starmer’s ability to navigate unpredictable relationships with major allies. Long-term, the status of the Diego Garcia lease and NATO coordination could be re-evaluated depending on U.S. political leadership after the 2026 election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “chagos islands” trending?
A: Donald Trump reversed his stance and condemned the UK-Mauritius sovereignty deal, calling it a national security risk and “great stupidity.”
Q: What happens next?
A: Starmer’s government faces calls to revisit the deal, while diplomatic fallout with the U.S. could overshadow upcoming UK-U.S. anniversaries and bilateral defense policy discussions.
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