Donald Trump has swung his attention back to Sir Keir Starmer, launching a blistering attack over Britain’s decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The US President accused the Prime Minister of “giving away” Diego Garcia — home to a crucial US military base — in what he described as an act of sheer foolishness with serious global consequences.
In Trump’s telling, the move isn’t just misguided, it’s dangerous.
He claims rivals like China and Russia are already watching closely, reading the decision as a sign of weakness rather than diplomacy.
A National Security Flashpoint
Trump didn’t hold back on social media, arguing that major powers only respect strength and warning that Britain’s actions undermine Western security.
He framed the Chagos decision as another example of why, in his view, America must act boldly to protect its strategic interests around the world.
According to Trump, surrendering control of strategically important territory sends entirely the wrong message at a time when global tensions are already high.
Greenland Brought Back Into the Argument
As he has done repeatedly, Trump used the Chagos controversy to circle back to his long-running push for the United States to acquire Greenland.
He insisted that Britain’s decision showed exactly why Europe cannot always be trusted to safeguard key strategic locations.
Once again, Denmark and its European partners were urged to “do the right thing,” with Trump positioning himself as the leader willing to make tough calls where others hesitate.
Starmer Pushes Back From Downing Street
The comments came shortly after Sir Keir Starmer addressed reporters in Downing Street, where he criticised Trump’s trade threats linked to Greenland as “completely wrong.”
The clash highlights a rapidly escalating war of words between the two leaders, with national security and sovereignty now firmly at the centre.
Rather than easing tensions, Trump’s response appeared designed to raise the stakes even further.
A Flurry of Late-Night Messages
Trump’s remarks were part of a wider overnight blitz on his Truth Social platform as he prepared to travel to Davos for the World Economic Forum.
In one post, he accused the UK of planning to give up Diego Garcia “for no reason whatsoever,” warning that such decisions weaken NATO as a whole.
He also referenced China and Russia directly, claiming they have already “noticed” Britain’s approach and would be encouraged by it.
The Chagos Deal Explained
Back in May, the UK signed a treaty agreeing to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Under the agreement, Britain would lease back the Diego Garcia military base for around £101 million a year, securing access for UK and US forces.
Ministers argue the deal is necessary to resolve a long-running sovereignty dispute and to ensure the future of the base.
The lease would run for 99 years, with payments to Mauritius totalling roughly £30 billion.
Island Leaders Appeal Directly to Trump
The row has intensified after Chagos islanders made a last-ditch appeal to Trump, urging him to block what they describe as a deeply flawed agreement.
In a letter to the US President, their First Minister, Misley Mandarin, warned the deal could put the UK-US base at risk.
He argued that granting Mauritius sovereignty over the islands would leave China with potential leverage over one of the most important military assets in the Indian Ocean.
Fears of Chinese Influence
Mr Mandarin claimed that Mauritius would technically control “every inch” of the base, raising fears about long-term security and political pressure.
He suggested that stopping the deal would shut the door on foreign interference and provide lasting certainty for US military operations.
In a striking gesture, he even floated the idea that grateful Chagossians might name an island after President Trump if he intervened.
A Vote That Could Decide Everything
The letter is expected to reach the White House ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote on Monday, when MPs will decide whether to push the treaty through.
The government has already faced resistance, suffering four defeats in the House of Lords earlier this month over the legislation needed to implement the agreement.
Critics argue the White House has never been fully briefed on the risks the deal could pose to US operations in the region.
A Direct Challenge to the President
In his appeal, Mr Mandarin urged Trump to do what he is known for: call out a bad deal and stop it in its tracks.
He argued that pausing the agreement could open the door to a fairer solution — one that strengthens the base, limits Chinese influence and offers the Chagossian people a path home after decades in exile.
Whether Trump chooses to intervene or not, the Chagos Islands have now become the latest flashpoint in a fast-moving and increasingly personal geopolitical dispute.
What Happens Next?
All eyes now turn to Parliament and the White House.
With a decisive vote looming and Trump openly questioning Britain’s judgment, the fate of the islands — and the future of one of the West’s most important military bases — hangs in the balance.
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