UK Chagos Islands Deal Explained: Why Trump Calls It a “National Security Mistake”
Meta Title
UK Chagos Islands Deal Explained: Why Trump Calls It a “National Security Mistake”
Meta Description
Donald Trump has sharply criticized the UK’s Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius. Here’s what the agreement includes, why it matters strategically, and why Trump now opposes it.
Focus Keywords
Chagos Islands deal, Trump Chagos Islands criticism, UK Mauritius Chagos agreement, Diego Garcia military base, Chagos Islands sovereignty
Supporting Keywords
UK national security deal, US UK military base Diego Garcia, Trump Greenland comparison, Chagossians resettlement, Indian Ocean military strategy
What Is the UK’s Chagos Islands Deal — and Why Has Trump Criticized It?
A long-running territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean has erupted into a major political controversy after US President Donald Trump publicly attacked the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Calling the agreement an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” Trump’s comments mark a dramatic reversal from his earlier support for the deal — and raise serious questions about U.S.–UK relations, NATO strategy, and global security.
At the heart of the issue lies Diego Garcia, a remote but strategically vital island that hosts a joint UK-US military base.
What Is the Chagos Islands Deal?
Under a £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion) agreement finalized in May 2025, the UK agreed to:
- Transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius
- Lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years
- Continue operating the joint UK-US military base on the island
Although agreed in principle, the deal has not yet been ratified by the UK Parliament, meaning the Chagos Islands legally remain British territory for now.
Where Are the Chagos Islands — and Why Do They Matter?
The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, are located:
- About 5,800 miles southeast of the UK
- Roughly 1,250 miles northeast of Mauritius
- In the heart of the Indian Ocean, between Africa and Southeast Asia
The archipelago consists of around 60 small islands grouped into seven coral atolls.
Historical Background
- Separated from Mauritius in 1965, while Mauritius was still a British colony
- Britain purchased the islands for £3 million
- Mauritius has long argued it was forced to give up the territory as part of its independence negotiations
The Human Cost: Forced Removal of Chagossians
In the late 1960s, Britain allowed the United States to build a military base on Diego Garcia.
To make way for the base:
- Thousands of Chagossians were forcibly removed
- Many were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles
- Others later settled in the UK, particularly in Crawley, West Sussex
The displacement remains one of the most controversial aspects of Britain’s colonial legacy.
What Does the Deal Cost the UK?
Under the agreement:
- The UK will lease Diego Garcia at an average cost of £101 million per year
- £165 million annually for the first three years
- £120 million per year from years four to 13
- Payments after that will be linked to inflation
Additional provisions include:
- A £40 million trust fund to support Chagossians
- A ban on resettlement of Diego Garcia, despite Mauritian sovereignty
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the arrangement was essential to prevent “malign influence” over the base.
Why Did the UK Agree to the Chagos Deal?
The UK government argues the agreement was necessary after a series of international court rulings threatened Britain’s legal position.
Officials say the deal:
- Protects the long-term future of the military base
- Preserves Western security interests
- Resolves a decades-long decolonization dispute
The U.S. has committed to paying the operational running costs of the base.
Trump’s Initial Support — and Sudden Reversal
When Prime Minister Starmer visited the White House in February 2025, Trump appeared supportive.
At the time, Trump said:
“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease… and I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.”
After the deal was finalized, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Trump had backed the agreement.
Why Is Trump Now Attacking the Deal?
In January 2026, Trump took to Truth Social, branding the agreement:
- “An act of total weakness”
- A threat to U.S. national security
He wrote:
“Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO ally, the United Kingdom, is planning to give away the island of Diego Garcia — the site of a vital U.S. military base — for no reason whatsoever.”
Trump linked the issue directly to his push to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns.
Political Timing Matters
According to BBC correspondent Nomia Iqbal, Trump’s remarks may be:
- A warning to Prime Minister Starmer
- Retaliation for the UK supporting Denmark over Greenland
- An attempt to highlight inconsistencies in Western security policy
Why Diego Garcia Is So Strategically Important
Diego Garcia is considered one of the most valuable military assets in the world.
Key Capabilities
- Long-range airfield
- Deep-water naval port
- Advanced communications and surveillance systems
- Strategic reach across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
The base played a major role during:
- The Afghanistan war
- The Iraq war
- Counter-terrorism operations after 9/11
There are no commercial flights to the island, and access is tightly controlled.
How Has the UK Responded to Trump’s Criticism?
The UK government defended the deal, saying it ensures:
- Long-term security of the base
- Protection from hostile actors
- Continued US-UK military cooperation
A government spokesperson said:
“This deal secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations.”
UK Political Reaction: Sharp Divisions
The deal has triggered intense debate at home.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it “complete self-sabotage”
- Nigel Farage praised Trump for opposing the agreement
- Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said Trump’s comments show Starmer’s US strategy has failed
Mauritius’ View: ‘A Victory for Decolonization’
Mauritian leaders welcomed the agreement.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam called it:
“A great victory for the Mauritian nation.”
Attorney General Gavin Glover said it ended a 60-year struggle, especially for displaced Chagossians.
Some Chagossians celebrated emotionally, with one woman saying:
“Now I can finally go there… and die in peace.”
Conclusion: A Deal at the Center of Global Power Politics
The Chagos Islands deal is no longer just a legal settlement — it has become:
- A test of U.S.–UK trust
- A flashpoint in global military strategy
- A symbol of unresolved colonial history
Trump’s criticism has transformed a diplomatic agreement into a geopolitical controversy, with implications stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic.
As Parliament prepares to debate the deal, its future — and the future of Diego Garcia — remains uncertain.