US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to “remain strong in the face of wokeism” and to halt plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote in all caps: “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!”
His comments refer to a 2025 agreement under which the UK will hand the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius while retaining control of the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base through a 99‑year lease. The base is a key hub for US and UK military operations in the Indian Ocean.
The Chagos Islands lie about 500 kilometres from the Maldives and consist of around 60 islands with just under 5,000 residents.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office defended the agreement, calling it “crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies.” The spokesperson added that the deal is the only way to secure the long‑term future of the base. Under the terms, Mauritius would need British approval for any operations conducted from Diego Garcia.
Trump’s intervention highlights the strategic importance Washington places on maintaining flexibility and access in the region, even as London moves ahead with its sovereignty transfer plan.
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