President Trump sharply criticized the UK’s Chagos Islands deal, warning it weakens Western security. He pointed to Diego Garcia’s military importance and tied the issue to his push for U.S. control of Greenland. The remarks reignite debate over sovereignty, bases, and Arctic strategy.
Trump blasted the UK for giving Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius, calling it “great stupidity.” He says the deal proves why Greenland must be acquired, citing national security risks and the strategic importance of Diego Garcia. #Trump #Greenland #NationalSecurity pic.twitter.com/2Rwcvh5DFO
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 20, 2026
- Donald J. Trump criticized the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, calling it “great stupidity” and “total weakness.”
- The deal allows the UK to retain access to Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease; the base hosts critical UK-US military operations.
- Trump specifically targeted the UK government led by Keir Starmer.
- He argued the Chagos deal demonstrates why the U.S. must take control of Greenland for national security reasons.
- The agreement was backed last year under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
- Diego Garcia has been a strategic U.S. military hub since the 1970s, used for Middle East operations and force staging.
- The original Chagossian population was removed in the 1960s to make way for the base.
