Trump changes stance again on Chagos Archipelago return deal

Trump says the UK's return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius is the "best possible outcome", despite previously criticizing the agreement as "stupid".

US President Donald Trump stated on 5/2 that he had a "very productive" phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Diego Garcia island, part of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. This marks a shift in Trump's position, as he previously criticized the UK's decision to return the islands.

Following the phone call between Trump and Starmer yesterday, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has achieved, according to many, is the best possible." However, the US President also issued a warning: if the lease agreement failed or if there was any threat to US forces at the base, he would "reserve the right to use military measures" to protect and strengthen the US presence on Diego Garcia.

Trump emphasized his resolve, stating, "I will not allow Washington's presence at such a vital base to be weakened or threatened by fabricated claims or absurd views disguised as environmental concerns." A UK government spokesperson confirmed that both leaders agreed on the importance of the agreement to protect the joint base on Diego Garcia and pledged to continue close coordination to ensure the deal's success.

US President Donald Trump (right) meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, 2025. *Photo: Reuters*

This is the second time Trump has changed his mind regarding the UK's return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. In 2025, the UK decided to return the archipelago to Mauritius after decades of legal disputes, but leased back Diego Garcia for 99 years to continue operating the joint base. On 19/1, Trump had criticized the UK's move as "very stupid."

Earlier last year, Trump expressed skepticism about the plan to return the islands. However, after a meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at the White House in 2/2025, he had greenlit the agreement. At that time, the US President stated, "I feel that agreement will work out very well. The US will stand with the UK on this issue."

The Chagos Archipelago, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, comprises about 60 islands. Its largest island, Diego Garcia, covers 30 square kilometers and hosts a joint UK-US air base in the region, making its status strategically important.