Trump Attacks UK Deal as an ‘Act Of Great Stupidity’ Over Chagos

The “special relationship” between London and Washington has been plunged into a fresh crisis after President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the UK government, branding the decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius an “act of great stupidity.”

Writing on his social media platform Truth Social early Tuesday, the U.S. President accused his “brilliant” NATO ally of giving away the site of the vital Diego Garcia military base “for no reason whatsoever.”

The outburst comes on the eve of Mr Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and marks the second time in 48 hours he has lambasted a key European ally.

The diplomatic row centres on a deal reached in May 2025, in which Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government agreed to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius.

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will lease back the joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia for approximately $135.7 million per year.

While the White House had previously voiced support for the deal last year, Mr Trump has now claimed the move signals “total weakness” to international powers such as China and Russia.

“The U.K. giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” the President posted, further linking the issue to his ongoing pursuit of Greenland by stating it was “another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.”

Downing Street defends ‘National Security’

Responding to the tirade on Tuesday, 20 January, a UK government spokesperson insisted that Britain would “never compromise on our national security.”

The spokesperson, in comments published by the BBC, explained that the government acted because the base’s future was “under threat” following court decisions that undermined the UK’s legal position.

Without the deal, officials fear the base would have been prevented from operating as intended in the future.

Widening NATO Rift

The timing of the attack coincides with a deepening divide between the U.S. and its European partners.

Mr Trump has recently threatened eight NATO allies with escalating tariffs over their opposition to his bid to acquire Greenland.

On Monday 19 January, President threatened 200% tariffs on French wine after President Emmanuel Macron reportedly declined a seat on a U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has attempted to act as a mediator in the Greenland dispute, calling for “cool heads” and “calm discussion.”

However, during a press conference at Downing Street on Monday, Mr Starmer stood firm, stating that any decision regarding Greenland “belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.”

From Pageantry to Tension

The sudden hostility marks a significant shift in tone for the two leaders. Despite their political differences, Mr Starmer and Mr Trump have previously enjoyed a respectful relationship.

The UK was the first country to secure a trade deal with Washington last year, and the President was hosted with full state pageantry during a visit last autumn.

However, following a Sunday night phone call in which Mr Starmer reportedly told the President he was “wrong” to threaten allies with tariffs, the diplomatic warmth appears to have evaporated.

Source: CNBC