Trump Points to Diego Garcia in Greenland Push
On the anniversary of his inauguration, former US President Donald Trump renewed calls for America to take control of Greenland. He presented a fresh argument for this longstanding ambition. Trump specifically referenced the case of Diego Garcia, a strategic island in the Indian Ocean.
The Diego Garcia Rationale
Trump criticized a recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. He called the UK plan to cede sovereignty of Diego Garcia an act of "total weakness." The former president suggested that rivals like China and Russia have noticed this move. He framed the situation as a national security reason for acquiring Greenland.
"Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia," Trump stated. He emphasized that the site hosts a vital US military base. Trump argued this action happens for no apparent reason.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia sits in the Chagos Archipelago, roughly 500 kilometers south of the Maldives. For decades, the UK and US have jointly operated a major military base there. This facility played critical roles during the Gulf War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The base offers a deep-water port, an airfield, and advanced surveillance capabilities. Its location allows monitoring of key global trade routes like the Malacca Strait. The site also provides rapid response options for regional crises.
History of the Chagos Dispute
The UK created the British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965, which included the Chagos Islands. When Mauritius gained independence in 1968, Chagos remained under British control. The UK provided Mauritius with a financial grant for this separation.
In 1966, Britain signed an agreement with the United States for defense use of the territory. The UK then removed approximately 2,000 civilians from Diego Garcia. These displaced people, known as Chagossians, now live in the UK, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
The Recent Sovereignty Shift
In October 2024, the UK government announced a historic political agreement. It decided to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This followed years of international pressure and a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion.
The ICJ found that the detachment of Chagos from Mauritius in 1965 did not reflect the free will of the people. The UN General Assembly subsequently demanded the UK withdraw its colonial administration.
Terms of the New Agreement
Under the deal, Mauritius gains sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. However, the Diego Garcia military base will remain operational for an initial period of 99 years. The UK pays around 101 million pounds annually for this arrangement.
Mauritius can implement resettlement programs on other Chagos islands. The UK also promised to create a trust fund for the benefit of Chagossians. The agreement was formally signed in May 2025 after discussions between UK and US officials.
Global Reactions and Implications
Then US President Joe Biden acknowledged the base's vital role in regional and global security. He said it enables operations that demonstrate commitment to stability and rapid crisis response.
India has consistently supported Mauritius' claim over the Chagos Islands. As a former British colony, India voted in favor of Mauritius at the UN in 2019. New Delhi has also worked to deepen ties with Mauritius amid China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean.
Analysts note the resolution carries broader implications. A successful deal could affirm Western commitment to a free Indo-Pacific. However, some critics worry it might allow China greater influence around the island if left unresolved.
Why Trump Raised the Issue Now
The timing of Trump's comments coincides with parliamentary developments in the UK. The House of Commons was scheduled to consider amendments to the Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill on January 20. This legislation aims to enact parts of the UK-Mauritius agreement.
After meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in February 2025, Trump expressed optimism about the deal. He suggested discussions would proceed and likely work out well. Starmer reportedly signed off on the agreement in April of that year.
Trump's reference to Diego Garcia connects his Greenland ambition to broader geopolitical concerns. He portrays territorial control as essential for countering perceived weakness and maintaining national security in strategic regions.
