Trump Blasts UK's Diego Garcia Sovereignty Transfer to Mauritius
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on Britain's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Diego Garcia island to Mauritius. In a recent social media post, Trump labeled the move an "act of total weakness" and "great stupidity." His comments have thrust the agreement back into the international spotlight, eight months after it was signed.
Trump's Strong Words on Truth Social
Trump expressed his views forcefully on his Truth Social platform. He wrote that the United Kingdom is planning to give away the island of Diego Garcia, which hosts a vital US military base, to Mauritius "for no reason whatsoever." He warned that China and Russia have likely noticed this perceived weakness.
"These are International Powers who only recognize STRENGTH," Trump stated, adding that under his leadership, the United States is respected like never before. He also connected the issue to his past interest in acquiring Greenland, citing it as another national security reason.
Background of the Chagos Islands Deal
The Chagos Archipelago consists of six atolls with over 600 islands in the Indian Ocean. It is located about 500 kilometers south of the Maldives, roughly halfway between Africa and Indonesia. Historically, Britain separated these islands from Mauritius before Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
Britain retained control, creating the British Indian Ocean Territory. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the UK forcibly displaced up to 2,000 Chagossians to establish the Diego Garcia military base. This action has been widely condemned as a human rights violation.
Details of the Agreement
Under increasing international pressure, Britain agreed in October 2024 to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The deal includes a multi-billion dollar financial arrangement. In May 2025, Britain committed to paying Mauritius 101 million pounds annually, totaling an estimated 3.4 billion pounds over the deal's lifetime.
Key components of the agreement:
- Britain will lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- There is an option for a 40-year extension.
- The lease ensures continued military access for the US and UK.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia serves as a crucial military base in the Indian Ocean for both the United States and Britain. Recent operations launched from the base include:
- Bombing strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in 2024 and 2025.
- Humanitarian aid deployments to Gaza.
- Attacks against Taliban and al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan in 2001.
The region has also seen growing Chinese influence, with close trade ties to Mauritius, adding to the strategic stakes.
Contrasting US Stances
Trump's criticism marks a shift from earlier US positions. In May 2025, the US government welcomed the historic agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the deal, stating it reflects the enduring strength of the US-UK relationship.
Rubio noted that Trump had expressed support for this achievement. This followed a meeting in February between Trump and UK officials, where Trump indicated he would be prepared to back the Chagos deal, citing the long-term lease as a strong point.
Reactions and Implications
The deal has drawn criticism from various quarters, including British lawmakers and individuals born on Diego Garcia. Trump's latest remarks amplify these concerns, focusing on perceived strategic vulnerabilities. His intervention highlights ongoing debates about sovereignty, military strategy, and international relations in the Indian Ocean region.
The situation remains fluid, with the UK and Mauritius moving forward on the agreement despite the controversy. The long-term lease aims to balance sovereignty transfer with continued military operations, but Trump's comments underscore the political and security tensions involved.
