Trump says U.K. return of Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a reason to acquire Greenland
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- President Trump criticized the U.K.'s 2025 decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an act of "great stupidity" and a national security risk, despite the continued U.S.-U.K. military presence at Diego Garcia under a lease agreement.
- Trump linked the Chagos Islands issue to his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, suggesting that Britain's move weakens Western strategic positions and emboldens adversaries like China and Russia.
- The U.K. government defended the agreement, stating it was necessary to protect the Diego Garcia military base after international court rulings challenged British sovereignty and that the deal has strong support from intelligence allies including the U.S. and Five Eyes partners.
- British officials expressed surprise
