Trump Criticises Chagos Islands Deal, Deepening UK–US Diplomatic Tensions

Fresh UK–US diplomatic tension has emerged after Donald Trump criticised the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the deal strategically damaging and poorly judged.

The Chagos Islands arrangement is closely linked to the future of Diego Garcia, one of the most important overseas military facilities used by the United States and its allies. The UK government maintains that the agreement secures long-term access to the base while resolving a long-running sovereignty dispute that has drawn criticism under international law.

Trump’s intervention has been accompanied by renewed comments about acquiring Greenland, which he has again highlighted for its strategic value. Together, the Chagos and Greenland issues have intensified a broader transatlantic security debate, particularly as allies reassess defence priorities and territorial sovereignty.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pushed back against Trump’s criticism, arguing that the Chagos deal strengthens Britain’s international standing while protecting core security interests. Speaking on the international stage, Starmer has emphasised that the UK remains committed to close defence cooperation with Washington despite political disagreements.

The dispute has unfolded alongside discussions among NATO members over burden-sharing, Arctic security, and strategic competition with Russia and China. European leaders have been wary of rhetoric that could unsettle alliances or raise questions about long-term US commitments.

For Britain, the controversy underscores the difficulty of balancing international law, military partnerships, and alliance politics. As debates continue at global forums and within NATO, the Chagos Islands deal has become a focal point for wider questions about sovereignty, security, and the future direction of transatlantic relations.