Trump backs down on dispute with ally while threatening to take another land mass by force
President Donald Trump speaks with members of the media on board Air Force One en route to Palm Beach, Florida on Jan. 31, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

President Donald Trump softened his earlier criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, emphasizing the strategic importance of the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia on the islands. Posting on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged Starmer had done “the best he could” with the deal but warned that if the lease ever faltered or U.S. operations were threatened, he would take military action to secure the base. Trump framed his stance as protecting national security, dismissing environmental or other claims that might interfere with American presence on the island.

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Trump backs down on Chagos Islands criticism but vows to protect U.S. base at Diego Garcia Trump backs down on Chagos Islands criticism but vows to protect U.S. base at Diego Garcia