Key Highlights
- Donald Trump calls UK’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.”
- The deal involves a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US military base.
- This change in stance by Trump marks a significant shift from his previous support for the UK’s deal with Mauritius.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces embarrassment as he previously defended the deal.
The Changing Stance: Trump’s Surprise Criticism of UK’s Chagos Deal
In a surprising turn, former US President Donald Trump has labeled the United Kingdom’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” according to his recent post on Truth Social. This shift in sentiment from the Trump administration marks a significant departure from their previous backing for the deal, which was seen as a key moment in strengthening the special relationship between the US and UK.
A Major Diplomatic Shift
The Chagos Islands are known to host the largest US military base on Diego Garcia. Under the agreement, while sovereignty would be handed over to Mauritius, the UK would retain control of this critical strategic location for 99 years with an option for a 40-year extension. According to a statement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s office, the lease is expected to cost £101 million annually.
Previous Support and Current Criticism
In May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed strong support for the deal, calling it a “monumental achievement.” He stated that the agreement reflects the enduring strength of the US-UK relationship. However, Trump’s recent criticism comes as a shock to many observers who had seen this deal as a significant diplomatic victory.
Prime Minister Starmer’s previous defense of the Chagos deal in Downing Street was seen as a key moment in strengthening ties with the US. His statement that “President Trump has welcomed the deal along with other allies, because they see the strategic importance of this base and that we cannot cede the ground to others who would seek to do us harm,” now seems at odds with Trump’s latest stance.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for the Special Relationship
Trump’s criticism extends beyond the Chagos Islands deal, casting doubt on the reliability of the UK-US “special relationship.” This marks a significant diplomatic crisis not only over the Chagos Islands but also over the broader alliance. As Starmer faces questions about his approach to handling President Trump, there are concerns that this may impact other aspects of their relationship, including upcoming visits by the King and Prince of Wales to the US.
Despite previous support, the shift in stance from the US administration highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of diplomatic agreements between long-standing allies. The deal with Mauritius is now seen as a test for how effectively the UK can navigate such complex international relations.
The situation remains fluid as more political reactions are expected, particularly from Nigel Farage, who has long been critical of the Chagos Islands deal. His recent statement on X, “thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos islands,” reflects the ongoing debate and public interest in this matter.