Donald Trump has sparked fresh global debate by linking the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean with Greenland in the Arctic. He said Britain’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius shows “weakness” and “stupidity,” and argued this is one of the reasons the United States must take control of Greenland.
Trump made the remarks while travelling to the World Economic Forum in Davos, posting on his Truth Social platform. The Chagos Islands, especially Diego Garcia, host a major US-UK military base, while Greenland belongs to Denmark, a NATO ally. By connecting the two issues, Trump has added new tension to already sensitive international relations.
Trump’s angry message and the link he draws to Greenland
Donald Trump has sharply criticised the UK government for agreeing to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the decision dangerous and foolish. In a series of posts, he focused on Diego Garcia, which hosts a major US-UK military base, and said giving up control of such a strategic location makes “no sense at all.”
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Trump said it was “shockingly” foolish for a NATO ally like Britain to give away such an important island “for no reason whatsoever,” even though UK officials say the move was needed for legal and diplomatic reasons. He also warned that global powers like China and Russia would see this as a sign of weakness, saying they “only recognise strength.”
The strongest part of his message was when he called the decision an act of “GREAT STUPIDITY.” He added that this was one more reason why the United States must acquire Greenland for national security.
Trump said Greenland’s position between North America and Europe makes it vital for military monitoring, shipping routes, and resources. By linking the two issues, he argued that if allies give up strategic land, the US must take a stronger role in protecting its global interests.
Why the Chagos Islands deal has caused so much anger
The UK has agreed to a £3.4 billion deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while keeping the largest island, Diego Garcia, under a 99-year lease so the joint US-UK military base can continue operating.
British officials say the agreement is a “legal necessity.” In 2021, a United Nations court issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK did not have lawful sovereignty over the islands. Because of this, the government argues the handover was unavoidable and is the best way to protect long-term military interests in the region.
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Downing Street said key allies, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, back the deal. When officials approved the agreement in May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed it, called it “historic,” and described Diego Garcia as a critical asset for global security. He also said President Trump had supported the deal during talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump’s recent criticism has therefore surprised many in London. The deal has always been controversial in the UK, with Conservatives and Reform UK warning it weakens Britain’s position. The agreement is now facing strong opposition in the House of Lords, and MP Andrew Rosindell cited it as a reason for leaving the Conservatives.
Political reactions in Britain and fears about China’s influence
Trump’s comments quickly sparked strong reactions in British politics. Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said Trump had “said what we’ve said all along” and called the agreement a “£35bn Chagos surrender.” She argued the deal is bad for Britain and its national security and said the government should scrap it.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, also welcomed Trump’s remarks. He said he was pleased Trump had “vetoed the surrender of the Chagos islands,” even though the UK has already signed the agreement.
One of the main concerns raised by critics is China’s close relationship with Mauritius. They fear that if Mauritius gains full control, China could slowly increase its influence in the region. Trump has often pointed to this risk as a reason for wanting the US to take over Greenland.
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Greenland, like Diego Garcia, is seen as a highly strategic location, important for military radar, space monitoring, and Arctic routes that are becoming more important as ice melts.
The UK government insists the Chagos deal is necessary and does not weaken security, noting the base will continue operating for decades. Still, Trump’s harsh words have added fresh tension to an already heated debate.