Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly contradicted current White House policy by urging the UK to abandon its Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius, calling the 99-year lease of Diego Garcia "a big mistake" in a Wednesday Truth Social post. This marks Trump's third shift in position since January 2026 regarding the strategic Indian Ocean military base.
Strategic Concerns Clash With Official Policy
Trump's latest intervention comes despite the U.S. State Department reaffirming support for the UK-Mauritius deal on Tuesday. The agreement, finalized last May, transfers Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius while maintaining Anglo-American military operations through 2124.
"Prime Minister Starmer is losing control of this important Island," Trump wrote, emphasizing Diego Garcia's value for potential operations against Iran. His comments contrast with UK Foreign Office statements that the arrangement ensures "long-term future" for the base crucial to Western security.
Political Repercussions Mount
UK opposition leaders seized on the discord, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel calling it "an utter humiliation" for Prime Minister Starmer. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey argued the controversy highlights the need for stronger European ties, stating: "Britain can't rely on the US while Trump is in the White House."
The remarks emerge days before scheduled U.S.-Mauritius talks, reigniting debate about great power competition in the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia has served as a joint UK-U.S. base since 1966, hosting critical surveillance and logistics operations.
