21-01-2026

UK Defends Chagos Islands Deal Amidst Trump Criticism

Date: 21-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: news.sky.com

Image content: The image displays a map of the world with a focus on the Indian Ocean, highlighting several locations. 1. The main subject or scene shown is a map of the world with a zoomed-in inset. 2. The visible locations are the Chagos Islands, Diego Garcia, and Mauritius, with a zoomed-in globe highlighting their position in the Indian Ocean. 3. The locations are marked with labels and symbols, indicating their geographical significance. The map displays the Indian Ocean and surrounding landmasses, with the Chagos Islands, Diego Garcia, and Mauritius labeled and marked on it. A zoomed-in globe in the top-right corner highlights the location of these islands. The map is attributed to OpenStreetMap contributors.

Summary

The UK government has defended its decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, despite criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who called it 'an act of great stupidity'. The deal has sparked debate about national security and the UK's relationship with the US, while also drawing attention to Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland.

Key Points

  • The UK signed a £3.4bn agreement with Mauritius to hand over the Chagos Islands and lease back the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years
  • Trump initially supported the deal but later criticized it, sparking a debate about the UK's national security
  • Trump's comments have reignited his interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory
  • The UK government insists that the deal has US support and will go ahead despite Trump's comments
  • The Chagos Islands deal is controversial due to concerns over national security and the lack of consultation with the Chagossians

Articles in this Cluster

UK defends Chagos Islands deal after Trump calls handover 'act of great stupidity'

The UK government has defended its deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, despite criticism from US President Donald Trump, who called it an 'act of great stupidity'. The UK signed the £3.4bn agreement in May, retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. Trump initially supported the deal but later expressed opposition, sparking a debate about the UK's national security and its relationship with the US. The UK government insists that the deal has US support and will go ahead despite Trump's comments.
Entities: UK, Chagos Islands, Mauritius, Donald Trump, Diego GarciaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump U-turns on U.K.'s Chagos Islands deal, claims it's another reason "Greenland has to be acquired" by U.S. - CBS News

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the UK's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an act of 'great stupidity' that justifies his desire for the US to acquire Greenland. The Chagos Islands, which include the strategically important Diego Garcia island, are home to a key UK-US military base in the Indian Ocean. Trump's administration had previously supported the deal, but he now claims it is a sign of weakness that China and Russia will exploit. The UK government has defended the agreement, saying it secures the operation of the military base for generations to come. Trump's comments come as he continues to express interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory.
Entities: Donald Trump, United Kingdom, Mauritius, Chagos Islands, Diego GarciaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

How could the US acquire Greenland? | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The article discusses the possibility of the US acquiring Greenland from Denmark, as proposed by President Donald Trump. The Constitution requires a treaty with Denmark and Greenland to be ratified by 67 senators, which is a challenging task given the current political environment. The article provides historical context, citing examples of the US buying land from other countries, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the purchase of Alaska from Russia. However, it notes that acquiring Greenland would be more complicated due to the need for Denmark and Greenland's cooperation, as well as the potential opposition from Congress and the international community.
Entities: Donald Trump, Greenland, Denmark, US, NATOTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The big question surrounding Trump’s touch down in Davos | CNN Politics

The article discusses President Donald Trump's visit to Davos, Switzerland, and the issues surrounding his meetings with world leaders. Trump continues to press the Greenland issue, and world leaders must decide how to handle his threats to acquire the territory. The article also touches on other news stories, including Trump's press briefing, where he showed mugshots of undocumented migrants, and the revelation that Kathy Ruemmler, a former White House counsel, acted as a legal adviser to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, the article mentions Trump's tariffs and their potential impact on consumers, as well as his reaction to the UK's plan to hand over ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Entities: Donald Trump, Davos, Switzerland, Greenland, Kaitlan CollinsTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

What is in the Chagos Islands deal and why is it controversial? | Politics News | Sky News

The UK government has agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite criticism from Donald Trump, who called it 'an act of great stupidity'. The deal includes a 99-year lease of the Diego Garcia base, a key US-UK military facility. The decision has been controversial due to concerns over national security, the potential for China to take over the base, and the lack of consultation with the Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1970s. The deal aims to address past wrongs and support the welfare of Chagossians, but has faced opposition from lawmakers and the House of Lords.
Entities: Chagos Islands, Mauritius, UK, Donald Trump, Diego GarciaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

China sees an opportunity in Greenland, but not in the way that Trump thinks | China | The Guardian

The article discusses China's interest in Greenland and how it views the US's plans for the territory under Donald Trump's leadership. China has long been trying to establish a 'Polar Silk Road' and gain a foothold in Greenland, but has been resisted by the US and Denmark. Trump's plans for Greenland, which include potentially annexing the territory, are seen by China as further evidence of the US-led world order in turmoil, creating an opportunity for China. However, Trump's unpredictability and strongman sensibilities could also threaten China's interests. China's engagement in Greenland is currently limited, and it is unclear how Beijing will navigate the situation under Trump's leadership.
Entities: China, Greenland, Donald Trump, US, DenmarkTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform