The British government defended its decision on Tuesday to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands archipelago to Mauritius, following public criticism from former United States President Donald Trump, who previously supported the plan during his administration.
The cluster of islands is located in the remote Indian Ocean and hosts Diego Garcia, a strategically critical American naval and bomber base. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized the UK's move, describing it as "an act of stupidity," and used the issue to advocate for the acquisition of Greenland.
He stated, "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." He further asserted, "There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness."
Trump concluded by calling the decision "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY" and cited it among various national security concerns underpinning his argument for Greenland’s acquisition.
In May, the United Kingdom and Mauritius reached an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, the UK secured a leaseback of Diego Garcia, ensuring the continued operation of the US military base for at least 99 years.
At the time of the agreement, the US government welcomed the arrangement, stating it "secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-U.K. military facility at Diego Garcia." UK Cabinet Minister Darren Jones reaffirmed the commitment, emphasizing the deal would "secure that military base for the next 100 years."
Despite government assurances, British opposition parties have voiced concerns, claiming the deal risks UK national security and could increase regional access for China.
The strategic base at Diego Garcia, according to the US, hosts approximately 2,500 mostly American personnel and is considered "an all but indispensable platform" for security operations spanning the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.