Trump calls UK Chagos deal great stupidity

Tuesday 20 January 2026 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump calls UK Chagos deal great stupidity

President Donald Trump sharply criticized the United Kingdom on Tuesday, labeling its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius an act of total weakness and great stupidity, linking the rebuke to his push for U.S. acquisition of Greenland. The attack on a key NATO ally came one day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation, calling Trump's tariff threats over Greenland wholly unjustified and calling for resolution through calm ally discussions.

In an early Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that it was shocking to learn the UK's plan to cede Diego Garcia home to a vital U.S. military base to Mauritius without valid reason. He added that China and Russia have surely noticed this display of total weakness, powers that respect only strength. Trump explicitly tied his criticism to Greenland ambitions, stating the UK's handover of such critical territory amounts to great stupidity and provides further national security grounds, among many, for acquiring Greenland. Denmark and its European allies must do what is right. This marks a reversal from Trump's prior stance; in February 2025 during Starmer's White House visit, he indicated willingness to follow the UK on the deal, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the May 2025 formal agreement, saying it ensures long-term stable operations at the joint U.S.-UK facility on Diego Garcia, essential for regional and global security.

Trump's remarks escalate tensions over his demand to buy Greenland from Denmark. On Saturday, he announced 10% tariffs starting February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland, rising to 25% by June 1 until a full Greenland purchase deal is reached. Starmer firmly replied in his Monday speech while seeking to preserve transatlantic ties, stating partnerships endure on mutual respect and collaboration, not coercion, deeming ally tariffs wholly inappropriate. He affirmed Greenland's future belongs solely to its people and the Kingdom of Denmark.

Diego Garcia, the Chagos archipelago's largest island, hosts a joint UK-U.S. military base described by the U.S. Navy as the spearhead for Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf operations. It has conducted strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen and Taliban positions in Afghanistan. Under the May 2025 deal, Britain transferred sovereignty to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia control at 101 million pounds annually. London argued the pact resolves legal challenges threatening the base's long-term viability. The UK government has not immediately responded to Trump's latest criticisms.