U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, casting a shadow over the traditionally strong ties between the two nations. During a press conference held at Chequers on September 18, 2025, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed his disapproval of the move, which includes the surrender of Diego Garcia, a significant military base for U.S. operations.
The agreement, established in May 2025, allows the U.K. to cede sovereignty over the islands while leasing Diego Garcia back to the U.S. for approximately £101 million ($135.7 million) annually. Initially, the White House had endorsed the deal, underlining its strategic importance. However, Trump’s recent statements describing the decision as “an act of great stupidity” mark a stark contrast to previous support.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned the rationale behind the U.K.’s decision and claimed that such a concession would be seen as a demonstration of weakness by international rivals like China and Russia. He urged that allowing the transfer of “extremely important land” would weaken national security and reiterated his past controversial comments about acquiring Greenland, suggesting that Denmark and other European allies should reconsider their positions on such matters.
This incident underscores the complexities of diplomatic relationships within NATO, particularly when national interests come into play. As the U.S. and U.K. navigate these tensions, the hope is that open dialogues will prevail, allowing both nations to address any misunderstandings and reinforce their alliance in the face of global challenges.