Trump Slams UK’s Chagos Islands Deal as an “Act of Great Stupidity”

In a sharp diplomatic critique, former U.S. President Donald Trump has described the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an “act of great stupidity.” His comments have stirred global attention, highlighting tensions over military strategy, historical claims, and international diplomacy.

The dispute comes as the UK moves forward with the controversial deal while maintaining access to the key military base on Diego Garcia, a move that Trump argues undermines Western strategic strength.

What’s the Chagos Islands Deal?

The Chagos Archipelago, a cluster of more than 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, has been under British control since 1814. In May 2025, the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius, while the U.S. and UK retain operational control of Diego Garcia under a long-term lease.

Key points of the agreement:

Mauritius gains full legal sovereignty over the islands.

The UK and U.S. will continue operating the Diego Garcia military base, crucial for global operations.

A 99-year lease ensures the base remains functional while Mauritius receives annual compensation.

The UK government insists this arrangement secures the base’s future amid legal challenges and international pressure, while recognizing Mauritius’ historic claims.

Trump’s Public Rebuke

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to condemn the UK’s decision, saying:

“Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO ally, the United Kingdom, is planning to give away the island of Diego Garcia… FOR NO REASON. An act of GREAT STUPIDITY.”

Trump’s criticism suggests he believes ceding sovereignty, even with a military leaseback, weakens Western leverage in the Indian Ocean — a region of increasing strategic importance.

He also tied the issue to his Greenland ambitions, arguing that the Chagos decision exemplifies why the U.S. must secure other strategic territories.

The UK Government’s Response

UK officials have rejected Trump’s criticism, stating the deal strengthens national security by clarifying legal sovereignty and preventing future challenges.

The British government emphasizes that the transfer respects international law, including a 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which found that Britain’s original separation of the islands from Mauritius in 1965 was illegal.

Despite this, Trump’s remarks have fueled political debate in London, with opposition figures citing his intervention as support for their concerns.

Why Diego Garcia Matters

Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, is home to a joint U.S.–UK military base, vital for:

Air and naval operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa

Intelligence gathering and rapid response deployment

Multinational crisis operations

The strategic importance of the base explains why both the U.S. and UK insisted on retaining operational control, even as sovereignty is transferred. Trump argues that the UK’s decision reduces Western influence in a key geopolitical region.

Historical and Human Rights Context

The Chagos Islands dispute isn’t only about strategy — it has deep historical and human rights dimensions.

Between the late 1960s and early 1970s, the indigenous Chagossians were forcibly removed to make way for the military base. These displaced people and their descendants have fought for the right to return for decades.

Mauritius has long claimed that Britain’s 1965 separation of the islands was illegal, and international rulings have increasingly sided with Port Louis, putting pressure on the UK to formalize sovereignty transfer.

Global Diplomatic Implications

Trump’s comments have heightened tensions between the UK and U.S., even as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has tried to maintain close transatlantic ties.

Analysts note that Trump’s critique reflects his broader approach to U.S. foreign policy, where perceived weakness in allies is seen as a threat to American influence. The Chagos dispute also highlights how even strong Western alliances can experience public friction over security and territorial issues.

What Comes Next?

As the sovereignty deal moves through the UK Parliament for final approval:

Diplomatic discussions will continue between London, Washington, and Port Louis.

Political debates in the UK may intensify, with opponents of the deal pushing for amendments.

International observers will watch closely to see how the transfer affects the operational and strategic role of Diego Garcia.

Proponents argue the agreement balances historic justice and strategic necessity, while critics warn it could set a precedent for mismanaged territorial handovers in other regions.

Why This Matters

The Chagos Islands dispute demonstrates how historical grievances, strategic interests, and geopolitics intersect in today’s world. Trump’s intervention underscores the unpredictability of global diplomacy, particularly when former leaders use public platforms to influence international negotiations.

For the UK, the deal aims to reconcile international legal obligations, secure strategic interests, and address long-standing historical claims. Yet, with high-profile criticism from Washington, the agreement faces an unusually public test of its political and strategic logic.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s description of the UK’s Chagos Islands deal as an “act of great stupidity” may be controversial, but it reflects broader anxieties about Western power, territorial control, and military strategy.

As sovereignty officially shifts to Mauritius and the military base continues under lease, the world will be watching whether this historic compromise balances justice, security, and diplomacy — or whether it becomes another flashpoint in transatlantic relations.

The Chagos Islands saga is far from over, and its resolution will likely shape discussions about territorial sovereignty, historical accountability, and global strategy for years to come.