U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's plan to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the decision an "extremely foolish act" and a reflection of weakness in international security, using it to pressure Denmark to sell Greenland to the U.S. for national security.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, "It is shocking that the United Kingdom, our 'great' NATO ally, is planning to give Diego Garcia—home to a vital U.S. military base—to Mauritius for no reason whatsoever. There is no doubt that China and Russia have taken note of this complete act of weakness. These countries are global powers that recognize only strength, which is why the United States under my leadership has earned unprecedented respect in just one year."
"The UK's decision to hand over such a critically important territory to others is an extremely foolish act and one of many national security reasons why we must acquire Greenland. Denmark and European allies must do what is right. Thank you for your attention to this matter. – President Donald J. Trump"
Interestingly, in May 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Trump had "congratulated" the deal, as did U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who issued a statement supporting the agreement as a reflection of the enduring U.S.-UK relationship.
Beyond criticizing the UK, Trump also used this issue to pressure Denmark again, stating, "The UK's handing over of such a vital territory to others is a major act of foolishness and another national security reason confirming the U.S. needs to possess Greenland," urging Denmark and European allies to "do what is right."
Under the agreement with the UK government led by Keir Starmer, Britain will return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (which were separated in 1965 during colonial times), while leasing Diego Garcia—the largest island and site of the joint U.S.-UK military base—for 99 years, with an option to extend for another 40 years. Additionally, the UK government will pay Mauritius £101 million annually (about 4.231 billion baht) in rent and compensation.
The Chagos Islands were purchased by the UK for £3 million in 1965 amid disputes from Mauritius, which claimed it was forced to cede the islands in exchange for independence. Subsequently, the UK expelled thousands of native Chagossians to make way for a U.S. military base. These displaced people have since lived in Mauritius, Seychelles, and some in the UK.
Trump's reversal could strain U.S.-UK relations amid uncertainties over the lease of this strategically important military base in the Indian Ocean.
. BBC