U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the United Kingdom’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the move “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY” and citing it as an example of what he described as strategic weakness.
Trump made the remarks while commenting on the UK–Mauritius deal under which Britain would transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago, while leasing back Diego Garcia — home to one of the largest U.S. military bases overseas — for long-term military use.
He said the agreement was among the reasons he believes the United States should seek greater control over strategically important territories, including Greenland, according to reports of his comments.
The Chagos Islands issue stems from international legal rulings that found Britain unlawfully separated the territory from Mauritius prior to independence. The UK has since agreed in principle to return sovereignty while ensuring continued access to Diego Garcia under a long-term lease arrangement with the United States.
Despite the sovereignty transfer, British and U.S. officials have said the Diego Garcia base will remain operational and unaffected, citing security guarantees under the lease agreement. (Newswire)