US President Donald Trump on Tuesday lambasted Britain’s handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” while reiterating his push for American control over Greenland, amid escalating transatlantic tensions.
Speaking in Florida, Trump emphasized the need for US oversight of the Danish territory, declaring: “They’re wonderful people, but they don’t even go there. We have to have it. They have to have this done. They can’t protect it, Denmark.”
He later shared on Truth Social details of a “very good telephone call” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, agreeing to convene with “various parties” at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.
“Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back – On that, everyone agrees!” Trump posted.
The comments coincided with reports of Danish troops arriving at Nuuk airport in Greenland, as speculation mounts over potential US military moves.
Trump is slated to attend the Davos summit Wednesday with a substantial US delegation, where European leaders are bracing for discussions on his Greenland ambitions.
Shifting focus to the UK, Trump decried the Chagos agreement on Truth Social, stating: “Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.”
He linked the issue to broader security concerns, mirroring his rationale for Greenland.
Trump also publicized a Signal message from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed confusion: “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” and proposed a G7 gathering in Paris.
A Macron associate verified the exchange.
US analyst Mark Stone described the assault on the UK as evidence that “the wheels are truly coming off the transatlantic relationship,” noting its severity for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to align with the Trump administration.
In response, UK Cabinet Office Minister Darren Jones affirmed the deal’s finality during a television appearance: “We’ve done a deal with the Mauritian government. We’ve legislated for the process. We’ve agreed the terms of the treaty, which has been signed. This is the way in which to secure that military base for the next 100 years.”
Jones highlighted prior US endorsement of the arrangement.
Trump’s stance marks a reversal from his own administration’s position last year, when figures like Marco Rubio hailed the UK-Mauritius pact as a “historic agreement.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage backed Trump, posting: “Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos islands.”
The disputes underscore fraying alliances as Trump pursues aggressive foreign policy shifts.
