Trump administration had previously welcomed ‘monumental’ Chagos dealpublished at 07:24 GMT
Marco Rubio’s statement in May, backing the deal, is on the US government’s website
Donald Trump’s latest comments – calling the UK’s plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius “an act of great stupidity” – mark a major change in position.
When Keir Starmer announced the UK had signed the deal on 22 May 2025, Starmer said: “President Trump has welcomed the deal along with other allies, because they see the strategic importance of this base and that we cannot cede the ground to others who would seek to do us harm.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed it, and issued a statement saying that Trump had “expressed his support for this monumental achievement”.
Rubio said the deal “reflects the enduring strength of the US-UK relationship”.
“We stand ready to continue our collaboration to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and beyond,” he added.
The agreement followed Starmer’s visit to the Oval Office in February, during which the US President indicated he would be prepared to back the Chagos deal.
“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years actually,” Trump said then. “That’s a long time, and I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.”
Under the Chagos plan, the UK is expected to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years, with an option for a 40-year extension.
Image source, ReutersStarmer with Trump on a visit to Washington in February 2025