Donald Trump’s recent comments calling Britain’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius “a very stupid thing” signal a major shift in position.

When Keir Starmer announced The UK had signed the agreement on 22 May 2025.“President Trump, along with other allies, welcomes this agreement because they understand the strategic importance of this base and cannot cede land to other countries who wish to harm us,” Starmer said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the move, saying in a statement that President Trump “expressed his support for this monumental accomplishment.”

Rubio said the agreement “reflects the enduring strength of the U.S.-UK relationship.”

He added: “We stand ready to continue our cooperation to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and beyond.”

The agreement lasted Starmer visited the Oval Office in FebruaryIn it, the US president signaled his readiness to support the Chagos Agreement.

“They’re talking about a very long-term strong lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years in fact,” President Trump said at the time. “That’s a long time. I think we tend to follow your country.”

Under Chagos’ plan, Britain will lease Diego Garcia for 99 years, with an option to extend for 40 years.

image source, Reuters