Trump Reverses Stance on Chagos Islands Transfer to Mauritius
On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump took a strong stance against the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty to Mauritius. He warned that this decision could threaten U.S. access to the Diego Garcia military base, a crucial site for American operations.
Trump labeled the U.K.’s decision as “an act of great stupidity,” emphasizing its significance on his Truth Social platform. He expressed concern over the United Kingdom, a NATO ally, planning to give away Diego Garcia—an essential military base—without any valid reason. Trump also suggested that this move reflects a broader weakness that China and Russia would surely notice.
John Hemmings, a defense expert, noted that Trump’s reversal aligns with a new strategy being adopted by the White House. He linked it to Trump’s previous interest in Greenland, raising concerns that Mauritius might not uphold its commitment once it receives jurisdiction over the islands.
In a separate post, Trump reiterated the importance of Greenland, framing the U.K.’s actions as indicative of national security challenges that underscore why the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland. The Chagos Islands were detached from Mauritius during Britain’s decolonization efforts, a separation ruled unlawful by the International Court of Justice in 2019.
The U.K. has agreed to hand over sovereignty while leasing Diego Garcia back for at least 99 years for a cost exceeding $160 million annually. This base is vital for U.S. military strategies in the Middle East and beyond, housing around 2,500 military personnel.
Experts, like Hemmings, warn that if Mauritius gains control of the islands, it could eventually allow Chinese access to critical fishing zones, increasing risks for U.S. operations in the region. While the current lease arrangement appears secure, the details of any future agreements remain uncertain.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for further comments on this issue.
