What's happened
Donald Trump has sharply criticized the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it “great stupidity.” This marks a significant U-turn from his previous support, with implications for UK-US relations and international law, amid ongoing debates over the islands and Greenland.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s U-turn on the Chagos Islands signals a broader shift in US foreign policy priorities. His recent comments, calling the deal “stupid,” reflect a strategic pivot influenced by his interest in Greenland, which he now views through the lens of international law similar to the Chagos Islands. This indicates that Trump perceives control over Greenland as vital, aligning with his aggressive stance on territorial sovereignty.
The deterioration of US-UK relations, especially with Sir Keir Starmer’s previous influence over Trump, underscores a potential weakening of Britain’s diplomatic leverage. Starmer’s reputation as “the Trump whisperer” is now under threat, which could diminish Britain’s ability to shape US foreign policy in future.
This development foreshadows increased tensions over territorial sovereignty and international law, with the US likely to oppose the UK’s plans more vociferously. The UK’s strategic interests in Diego Garcia remain complicated by these shifting US attitudes, which could impact military and diplomatic arrangements.
In the broader context, Trump’s comments reveal a pattern of unpredictable foreign policy moves driven by personal interests and legal interpretations, rather than traditional alliances. The UK must now navigate a more hostile US stance, which could influence its global diplomatic standing and military alliances, especially within NATO.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Trump’s reversal was unexpected, highlighting his previous support for the Chagos deal and his recent criticism calling it “great stupidity.” The article suggests that his change of stance may be linked to his interest in Greenland, which he views through similar legal arguments. Meanwhile, The Guardian emphasizes the deterioration in US-UK relations, noting that Trump’s comments mark a shift away from his earlier support, and raises concerns about Britain’s diplomatic influence. Both sources agree that Trump’s stance is now more hostile, with potential consequences for international diplomacy and military arrangements, especially regarding Diego Garcia. The Independent also notes that Trump’s recent tweets and comments reflect a broader pattern of unpredictable foreign policy, which complicates Britain’s diplomatic efforts and strategic interests.
How we got here
Last year, the UK negotiated a deal to transfer the Chagos Islands, including the strategic Diego Garcia airbase, to Mauritius. The US initially supported the plan, with Trump expressing positive sentiments during a February 2025 meeting. The deal faced ongoing controversy over the rights of Chagossians, nuclear issues, and legal questions. Trump’s recent comments suggest a shift, possibly influenced by his stance on Greenland and international law.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Trump Criticize the Chagos Islands Deal?
Recent developments have seen former US President Donald Trump sharply criticize the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This unexpected reversal raises questions about US-UK relations, international law, and the future of these strategic islands. Below, we explore the reasons behind Trump’s criticism and what it means for global diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago. It has been used as a joint UK–U.S. military base since the 1970s, following the expulsion of the Chagossians by the UK government. The Chagos Islands are a British overseas territory, though