WASHINGTON,
Former US president Donald Trump has sharply criticised the United Kingdom’s decision to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, describing the move as a serious lapse in judgement and a threat to national security.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump accused Britain of what he called “great stupidity” for agreeing to transfer control of the Indian Ocean archipelago. He said the decision involved giving away “extremely important land” and linked the issue to broader geopolitical concerns, including his long-standing claim that the United States should seek to acquire Greenland for strategic reasons.
The remarks represent a notable shift in Trump’s position. During his presidency, he had signalled support for the agreement, which is intended to resolve a decades-long dispute between the UK and Mauritius over sovereignty of the islands.
Under the terms of the deal, Britain will return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, its former colony, while continuing to lease the strategically vital military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group. The base is jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom and plays a central role in US military operations across the Middle East, Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
The UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in the 1960s, shortly before granting the country independence. In the process, thousands of Chagossians were forcibly removed from their homes to make way for the military facility. Many were resettled in Mauritius and the UK, where they have pursued long-running legal campaigns seeking compensation and the right to return.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that Britain’s continued administration of the islands was unlawful and recommending that sovereignty be transferred to Mauritius as soon as possible. The United Nations General Assembly subsequently backed the ruling, increasing diplomatic pressure on London to resolve the dispute.
Successive British governments have defended the importance of the Diego Garcia base, arguing that any agreement must preserve its operations. UK officials say the lease arrangement included in the deal ensures that the base will remain functional while addressing international legal obligations.
Trump’s comments come amid renewed global focus on strategic territories and military infrastructure, particularly as competition between major powers intensifies. While the former president no longer holds office, his remarks are likely to resonate among critics of the agreement who argue it could weaken Western security interests in the Indian Ocean.
British government has not responded directly to Trump’s latest criticism but has previously said the agreement balances legal responsibility, regional stability and defence cooperation with the United States.
