Trump Adjusts Criticism of UK Chagos Islands Deal After Meeting Starmer

Despite calling it earlier an ‘act of great stupidity’, Trump signals support of Starmer’s Chagos deal.

US President Donald Trump has endorsed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite previously criticizing the move. Trump acknowledged productive discussions with Starmer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the US military presence on Diego Garcia. A deal established last May allows Mauritius to regain sovereignty while ensuring the US base’s operation for 99 years. The Chagossians, who were displaced in the 1960s and 1970s, continue to seek the right to return to their homeland.