Trump Criticizes UK Chagos Islands Sovereignty Deal

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Britain's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, describing the move as an act of weakness that undermines national security. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump highlighted the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, which hosts a key joint U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean.

The deal, initially reached between Britain and Mauritius last year, would hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while allowing Britain to lease back the military facility on Diego Garcia for 99 years. Under the terms, Britain would pay Mauritius an annual fee estimated at around 100 million pounds, totaling billions over the lease period. The agreement aims to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute originating from Britain's separation of the islands from Mauritius during its independence in 1968.

Trump's remarks marked a reversal from his earlier stance. Following his inauguration in January 2025, the deal faced delays as the new U.S. administration reviewed its implications. In February 2025, Trump expressed inclination to support the...