Trump flip-flops again, saying UK’s Chagos deal would be ‘big mistake’

US President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to the United Kingdom's proposed deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, specifically Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump stated that the UK would be making a “big mistake” by entering into a “tenuous, at best, 100 Year Lease” for the islands. He emphasized that Prime Minister Keir Starmer should not lose control of Diego Garcia, asserting that “this land should not be taken away from the U.K.” Trump's comments come just weeks after he had previously described the agreement as the “best” arrangement that Prime Minister Starmer could pursue. This apparent flip-flop highlights the shifting stance of the US administration regarding the strategic importance of the Chagos Islands. Trump warned that giving away Diego Garcia would be detrimental, stating it would be “a blight on our great ally” if the islands were handed over to Mauritius. The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, are of significant military importance to the United States, serving as a key base for operations in the Indian Ocean. The ongoing discussions about the future of the islands reflect broader geopolitical considerations and the historical context of the UK's colonial past in the region.