Trump slams UK island handoff deal that could put key US military base at risk

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Emma BusseyJanuary 22, 2026 at 12:25 AM

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Donald Trump has criticized the UK's plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, claiming it could jeopardize the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. Trump expressed his concerns on Truth Social, calling the UK's decision "an act of great stupidity" and suggesting it signals weakness to China and Russia. He linked this opposition to his previous interest in acquiring Greenland, viewing both situations as critical to U.S. national security. The Chagos Islands were separated from Mauritius during British decolonization, a move deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice. The UK agreed to transfer sovereignty while leasing Diego Garcia back, a base vital for U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Denmark 30% Henry Jackson Society 35% John Hemmings 40% International Court of Justice 40% NATO ×250% Greenland ×460% Russia 60% China ×370% Mauritius ×380% UK ×590% Diego Garcia ×695% Donald Trump ×7100%

Keywords

diego garcia 100% chagos islands 90% u.s. military base 80% donald trump 70% mauritius 60% united kingdom 60% greenland 50% national security 50% china 40% sovereignty 40%