Trump Accuses UK of ‘Great Stupidity’ Over Chagos Islands Deal
Former US President Donald Trump has criticised the United Kingdom over its decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, describing the move as an act of “great stupidity.”
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while reacting to the agreement reached between the UK and Mauritius, which is expected to formally transfer control of the strategically located islands after decades of dispute.
According to Trump, the decision undermines Western strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly given the geopolitical importance of the region. He argued that the UK was giving up a valuable asset without fully considering long-term security implications.
“Handing over the Chagos Islands is a terrible decision. It’s an act of great stupidity,” Trump said, warning that such moves could weaken Western influence in a region increasingly contested by global powers.
The Chagos Islands have long been a subject of international controversy. Mauritius has maintained that Britain unlawfully separated the archipelago from its territory before granting independence in 1968. The UK, however, retained control and later allowed the United States to establish a major military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain.
In recent years, international pressure has mounted on the UK to relinquish control. The United Nations General Assembly and the International Court of Justice have both issued opinions backing Mauritius’ claim, calling on Britain to end its administration of the territory.
The British government has defended the deal, stating that it strikes a balance between international legal obligations and security interests, noting that arrangements would be made to ensure continued operation of the US military base on Diego Garcia.
Mauritius has welcomed the agreement, describing it as a historic step toward completing its decolonisation process and restoring sovereignty over the islands.
Trump’s comments have added fresh political heat to the issue, sparking debate over the strategic, legal and diplomatic consequences of the handover.
