Trump Chagos Islands Deal Criticism: Is the UK-US Alliance Fraying?

The handshake has turned into a punch. Donald Trump has labeled the UK's move to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an "act of great stupidity." This sharp pivot comes just months after senior US officials—and Trump himself—reportedly endorsed the plan, sending shockwaves through the NATO alliance.

Trump Chagos Islands Deal Criticism Sparks Diplomatic Row

In a fiery social media post, Trump didn't hold back. He called the decision to cede sovereignty over the archipelago "total weakness," warning that adversaries like China and Russia are watching. He even tied the move to his long-standing interest in Greenland, suggesting the loss of Diego Garcia makes acquiring the Arctic territory even more vital for national security.

The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, has stood its ground. A spokesperson stated that the £3.4bn ($4.6bn) deal actually secures the Diego Garcia base for another 99 years. They argue the alternative was a total loss of the base due to international court rulings that were undermining the UK's legal standing.

Timeline of the Chagos Archipelago Dispute