Trump Condemns UK Plan to Transfer Chagos Islands, Citing Risks to U.S. Military Base
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the strategically vital U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on January 21, 2026, Trump called the move “an act of great stupidity,” warning that it could undermine American military interests and embolden rival powers such as China and Russia.
Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, is a linchpin for U.S. military operations, enabling rapid deployment and surveillance capabilities across key maritime routes. Defense experts have long viewed the base as crucial in countering Beijing’s ambitions to control shipping lanes between the oil-rich Middle East and China’s industrial heartland. Trump’s opposition to the transfer underscores concerns that Mauritius might later restrict U.S. access or that the handover could be exploited by adversaries.
“Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER,” Trump wrote. “There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.”
The controversy over the Chagos Islands sovereignty has simmered for decades. The islands were detached from Mauritius in the 1960s during British decolonization and have been home to the Diego Garcia base since the 1970s. Mauritius has long claimed the islands, and the UK has faced international legal pressure to return them. The United Nations has passed resolutions supporting Mauritius’s claim, and the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2019 deeming the UK’s continued administration unlawful.
Trump’s denunciation comes amid his recent announcement of a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland, signaling a broader strategy to assert U.S. interests in key geopolitical regions. Analysts have described this approach as a “new Trump Doctrine,” emphasizing sovereignty and strategic advantage. Critics argue that relinquishing control over Diego Garcia could jeopardize U.S. military readiness and regional influence.
The U.S. Department of Defense has not publicly commented on the transfer plan, but the base remains a critical asset for American forces. According to the Department of Defense, Diego Garcia supports a range of operations including intelligence gathering, missile defense, and logistical support.
Meanwhile, the UK government has maintained that the transfer is part of a broader effort to resolve colonial-era disputes and strengthen ties with Mauritius. However, the move has drawn bipartisan concern in the U.S. Congress, with some lawmakers urging a reevaluation of the agreement to safeguard American strategic interests.
Trump’s warning also reflects growing anxiety over China’s expanding global footprint. The U.S. Department of State has repeatedly highlighted China’s efforts to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, including through military modernization and infrastructure investments.
As the debate unfolds, the future of Diego Garcia remains uncertain. The island’s unique position as a forward operating base in a volatile region makes it a focal point for U.S. defense policy. The controversy also illustrates the complexities of balancing historical sovereignty claims with contemporary security imperatives.
For now, the Trump administration’s vocal opposition adds pressure on both the UK and Mauritius to consider the broader implications of the transfer. The situation continues to attract attention from international security experts, policymakers, and military strategists who recognize Diego Garcia’s pivotal role in maintaining regional stability.
More information on U.S. military installations and strategic partnerships can be found at the Department of Defense official site and updates on international territorial disputes are available through the U.S. Department of State. For historical context on the Chagos Islands, the United Nations provides documentation on sovereignty resolutions.
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