Trump Opposes UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal
Analysis based on 72 articles · First reported Feb 18, 2026 · Last updated Feb 19, 2026
The shifting stance of Donald Trump on the Chagos Islands deal introduces geopolitical uncertainty, potentially affecting defense sector investments and international relations. The proposed £35 billion lease agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius could have long-term financial implications for both nations.
Donald Trump has publicly urged Keir Starmer not to proceed with the deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite the US State Department's earlier approval. Trump stated that the 100-year lease for the joint US-UK military base on British Indian Ocean Territory===Diego Garcia is a 'big mistake' and 'no good', citing potential US military needs for a strike on Iran. This marks another U-turn in Trump's position on the deal, which he had previously both supported and criticized. The United Kingdom plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while leasing back the strategically important British Indian Ocean Territory===Diego Garcia base for £35 billion over the next century. The deal aims to secure the long-term future of the base, which has been threatened by international court decisions. Opposition figures like Priti Patel have called Trump's intervention an 'utter humiliation' for Keir Starmer.
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