Donald Trump has voiced his strong opposition to the UK government's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, declaring that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is making a 'big mistake'. The Chagos Islands, under a deal agreed last year, are set to return to Mauritius control, except for the largest island, Diego Garcia, which will be leased to the US for military operations for 99 years. Trump's comments reflect a concern over the strategic implications for US-UK relations, especially given the long-established military presence in the region.

In a previous statement, Trump had referred to the plan as the 'best' deal Starmer could achieve, suggesting he initially viewed the arrangement positively. However, his recent remarks have taken a defensive stance regarding the US-UK military alliance, as he criticized the claims that support the transfer of the islands, labeling them as 'fictitious'. The timing of his comments coincides with the US State Department's endorsement of the handover plan, highlighting a complex intersection of diplomacy, military strategy, and geopolitical relations.

Trump’s warnings underscore the tension surrounding international negotiations involving territories with military significance. The Chagos Islands have been a contentious issue for decades, with Mauritius demanding sovereignty and the US maintaining a critical military base there. As Prime Minister Starmer moves forward with the plans, Trump's intervention may influence public and political discourse in the UK regarding the strategic implications of this territorial change, particularly amid escalating tensions in global politics.