Trump Chagos Islands Deal Criticism: Trump Tells UK Not to Give Away Diego Garcia

Trump Chagos Deal Warning Over Diego Garcia

The Trump Chagos Islands deal criticism escalated this week after US President Donald Trump publicly urged the United Kingdom not to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He specifically warned London against giving up Diego Garcia, a key military base in the Indian Ocean.

Trump said the UK would make a serious mistake by transferring control of the British Indian Ocean Territory. He argued that Diego Garcia holds major strategic value for the United States and its allies.

Trump Chagos Islands Deal: Trump Warns UK Over Diego Garcia

President Trump posted his remarks on Truth Social. He told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that long-term leases between countries are not reliable. He said a 100-year lease arrangement was a weak solution.

“Do not give away Diego Garcia,” Trump wrote. He added that losing control of the island would harm one of America’s closest allies.

He also stressed that Diego Garcia sits in a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. The island supports joint military operations by the UK and the US. Both countries use it for air and naval missions.

Moreover, Trump suggested the base could become crucial if tensions with Iran rise. He said the US might need Diego Garcia if Tehran refuses to negotiate over its nuclear programme.

US Government Backs the Deal

However, Trump’s comments contrast with Washington’s official position earlier this week. On Tuesday, the US Department of State supported the UK’s agreement with Mauritius.

The State Department said it backs Britain’s decision to proceed with the sovereignty transfer. Under the agreement announced last May, the UK will lease Diego Garcia for 99 years after handing over the territory.

This arrangement aims to protect long-term military access while resolving Mauritius’s sovereignty claims.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s remarks. She said his social media post reflects official policy. According to her, when Trump posts on Truth Social, it represents the administration’s stance.

UK Defends Chagos Islands Agreement

In response, the UK Foreign Office defended the deal. Officials described the agreement as vital for national security. They said it protects the interests of Britain and its allies.

“The agreement we have reached is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base,” the Foreign Office stated.

British officials argue that the lease ensures stability. They believe it secures access to Diego Garcia while addressing legal and diplomatic disputes.

Political Reactions in the UK

The Trump Chagos Islands deal criticism sparked strong reactions in British politics.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel called Trump’s remarks an embarrassment for Prime Minister Starmer. She urged the government to scrap the deal.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Trump’s shifting position shows the UK cannot depend solely on Washington. He called for stronger ties with European partners.

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed Trump’s earlier criticism of the handover plan. He praised the US president for opposing what he described as a “surrender” of British territory.

Chagos Islanders Protest the Deal

At the same time, opposition to the deal continues among some Chagos islanders.

Earlier this week, four islanders travelled to a remote atoll in the archipelago to protest the handover. They refused to leave despite warnings from British authorities.

The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, lie about 5,799 miles south-east of the UK. They sit roughly 1,250 miles north-east of Mauritius.

Britain has controlled the islands since 1814. In 1965, the UK created the British Indian Ocean Territory after purchasing the islands for £3 million.

However, Mauritius argues that Britain forced it to give up the islands before independence.

In the late 1960s, Britain allowed the US to build a military base on Diego Garcia. Authorities removed thousands of islanders from their homes during that period. Many settled in Mauritius and the Seychelles. Others moved to the UK, especially to Crawley in West Sussex.

Why This Matters

The Trump Chagos Islands deal criticism matters because Diego Garcia plays a key role in global security. The base supports operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Furthermore, the dispute touches on international law, colonial history, and the rights of displaced communities. The outcome may influence how Western allies handle similar territorial disputes.

In addition, the issue affects US-UK relations. Although both countries remain close partners, public disagreement over strategic territory can create diplomatic strain.

What Happens Next

Talks between the US and Mauritius are scheduled for next week. These discussions may clarify Washington’s long-term position.

Meanwhile, the UK government continues to move forward with its agreement. Parliament may face increased pressure from opposition parties to review the deal.

If geopolitical tensions rise, especially with Iran, Diego Garcia could gain even greater importance in strategic planning.

FAQ’s

Why is Diego Garcia important?

Diego Garcia hosts a major UK-US military base. It supports air and naval operations in the Indian Ocean region.

What is the Chagos Islands deal?

The UK plans to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. However, it will lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years.

Why does Mauritius claim the islands?

Mauritius says Britain forced it to give up the territory before independence. It argues the separation was illegal.

Has the US officially opposed the deal?

The US State Department supported the agreement. However, President Trump publicly criticised it.

Where are the Chagos Islands located?

The islands lie in the Indian Ocean, south-east of the UK and north-east of Mauritius.

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