Donald Trump Criticizes UK’s Chagos Islands Deal
- Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's plan to transfer the Chagos Islands,including the U.S.
- The Chagos Islands are a British Overseas territory in the Indian Ocean.
- According to a joint statement from the UK and Mauritius on November 8, 2022, the transfer will occur once conditions are met, including ensuring the continued operation of...
Trump Links UK’s chagos Islands Plan to Potential Greenland Seizure
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Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands,including the U.S. military base of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, suggesting it as justification for the United States to acquire Greenland. The former president made the comments on his Truth Social platform on January 19, 2026.
Background on the Chagos Islands Dispute
The Chagos Islands are a British Overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. The UK detached the islands from Mauritius in 1965, establishing the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a major U.S. military base. Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the islands,and the UK agreed in November 2022 to eventually transfer them to Mauritian control.
According to a joint statement from the UK and Mauritius on November 8, 2022, the transfer will occur once conditions are met, including ensuring the continued operation of the Diego Garcia base.
Trump’s Criticism and greenland Link
Trump characterized the UK’s decision as an act of “GREAT STUPIDITY” and “total weakness,” claiming China and Russia have taken notice. He specifically linked the move to the potential acquisition of Greenland,stating it was “another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.”
“Shockingly, our ’brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
reactions and US Support
The proposed deal has faced criticism from opposition parties in the UK. While defending the move, UK Labor leader Keir Starmer had previously highlighted anticipated support from the United States. However, as of January 20, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had not issued a public statement regarding the Chagos Islands transfer.