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Home > Headlines > Trump calls UK's Chagos deal with Mauritius an 'act of total weakness'

Trump calls UK's Chagos deal with Mauritius an 'act of total weakness'

Published by Global Banking and Finance Review

Posted on January 20, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: January 20, 2026

Trump calls UK's Chagos deal with Mauritius an 'act of total weakness' - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Tags:President security International trade investment foreign currency

Quick Summary

Trump criticizes UK's Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius, calling it a weakness due to the strategic importance of the US-UK air base on Diego Garcia.

Trump Criticizes UK's Chagos Agreement with Mauritius as Weakness

Trump's Response to the Chagos Islands Agreement

Jan 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Britain's plan to cede sovereignty of the island of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands to Mauritius was an "act of total weakness," adding that it was "another in a very long line of national security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired".

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

The island of Diego Garcia houses a strategically important U.S.-UK air base in the Indian Ocean.

Reactions from the UK Government

Britain and Mauritius last year struck a deal to pass on the sovereignty of the Chagos islands to Mauritius while allowing Britain to retain control of the air base under a long-term lease.

Implications for U.S. Security Interests

Trump wrote on his Truth Social account: "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER."

Trump said there was no doubt that "China and Russia have noticed this act" by Britain.

The UK government did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment on Tuesday.

Trump has previously said that the encroaching presence of China and Russia makes Greenland vital to U.S. security interests, and repeatedly insisted he will settle for nothing less than ownership of Greenland.

Britain's deal with Mauritius was delayed after the Trump's inauguration in January 2025, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan.

In February of that year, Trump indicated he was "inclined to go along" with Britain on the agreement.

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue and Andrew Heavens)

Key Takeaways

•Trump criticizes UK's plan to cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
•Diego Garcia hosts a crucial US-UK air base.
•Trump views the deal as a national security risk.
•UK retains control of the air base under a lease.
•China and Russia are seen as potential threats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trump calls UK's Chagos deal with Mauritius an 'act of total weakness'

1What is Diego Garcia?

Diego Garcia is a strategically important island in the Indian Ocean, housing a U.S.-UK military base, which plays a crucial role in national security.

2What is sovereignty?

Sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself or another state, including control over its territory and the ability to make laws.

3What is national security?

National security is the protection of a nation's borders, territories, and citizens from external threats and ensuring the safety and stability of the state.

Trump's Response to the Chagos Islands Agreement

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

The island of Diego Garcia houses a strategically important U.S.-UK air base in the Indian Ocean.

Reactions from the UK Government

Britain and Mauritius last year struck a deal to pass on the sovereignty of the Chagos islands to Mauritius while allowing Britain to retain control of the air base under a long-term lease.

Implications for U.S. Security Interests

Trump said there was no doubt that "China and Russia have noticed this act" by Britain.

The UK government did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment on Tuesday.

Britain's deal with Mauritius was delayed after the Trump's inauguration in January 2025, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan.

In February of that year, Trump indicated he was "inclined to go along" with Britain on the agreement.

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue and Andrew Heavens)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is Diego Garcia?

Diego Garcia is a strategically important island in the Indian Ocean, housing a U.S.-UK military base, which plays a crucial role in national security.

2What is sovereignty?

Sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself or another state, including control over its territory and the ability to make laws.

3What is national security?

National security is the protection of a nation's borders, territories, and citizens from external threats and ensuring the safety and stability of the state.