Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the reversal of the Chagos Islands agreement. The US President used Truth Social to voice his concerns, warning Starmer: "DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!" Trump asserted that Starmer is "losing control" by ceding sovereignty to Mauritius under a 99-year lease deal.
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Diego Garcia, a crucial military base in the Indian Ocean, is at the heart of this controversy. Trump highlighted its strategic importance, particularly in relation to potential US actions against Iran, describing the lease as a "big mistake." He argued that the base is vital for protecting the UK and allied countries from threats, while maintaining a robust US-UK alliance.
The agreement has met with fierce opposition from Conservatives, who brand it a "catastrophic surrender." Critics claim it could compromise security by aligning with a Chinese ally and cost British taxpayers billions. Trump's criticism echoes these concerns, warning that transferring control from the UK could damage one of its key alliances.
Prominent Conservative figures, including Leader Kemi Badenoch, support Trump's standpoint. They criticize the deal as "great stupidity," urging Starmer to cancel it. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel described Trump’s intervention as a “humiliation” for Starmer, accusing the government of dangerous and irresponsible decision-making.
Signed for £3.4 billion in May, the deal permits UK-US joint military operations at Diego Garcia but hands the islands’ control to Mauritius. Trump called the claims of Mauritian sovereignty “fictitious,” intensifying concerns about the legitimacy of their historical claim. Critics argue that the agreement irresponsibly relinquishes British sovereign territory.
Despite the heated debate, Trump reassured that US-UK relations remain strong. However, he insisted the UK must resist "Wokeism" and other challenges to maintain its global stance. The Conservatives have vowed ongoing resistance, determined to fight what they term the "Chagos Surrender."
This unfolding controversy highlights deep divisions over the deal, with Trump’s involvement amplifying the political tumult. The calls for Starmer to reconsider the decision grow louder, underscoring the strategic importance of the Chagos Islands and the pressure from across the Atlantic.
Key Takeaways
Trump condemns Starmer's Chagos Islands deal.
Conservatives oppose potential security risks.
Strategic significance of Chagos Islands central to debate.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 18 Feb 2026