Trump Calls Chagos Deal 'Terrible' and Eyes Burnham Review

US President Donald Trump has publicly condemned the proposed agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, calling it "terrible" and indicating that his Special Envoy, James Burnham, would be taking a close look at the deal. Trump's remarks represent a significant escalation of US opposition to the treaty, which would see the UK hand sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago — a remote group of islands in the Indian Ocean — to Mauritius, while retaining a long-term lease on Diego Garcia. That atoll hosts one of the most strategically important joint US-UK military bases in the world, used for operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. **Why the US is opposed** Washington has long viewed the Diego Garcia base as non-negotiable in terms of operational security. US officials, particularly under the Trump administration, have raised concerns that handing sovereignty to Mauritius — which has historical ties to China through trade and investment — could compromise the base's security or allow third-party influence over a critical military asset. By flagging that Burnham will "look closely" at the deal, Trump appears to be signalling that the US intends to actively intervene in or reshape the negotiation process, rather than simply observe. **What is the Chagos deal?** The agreement, which has been under negotiation for several years, stems from Mauritius's long-standing sovereignty claim over the Chagos Islands. In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK's continued administration of the islands was unlawful. The United Nations subsequently called on the UK to end its administration. After years of talks, the UK under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed in principle to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius. The deal includes a financial package — reportedly worth hundreds of millions of pounds — and a 99-year lease allowing the UK and US to continue operating the Diego Garcia base. The current UK Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has continued negotiations, and Mauritius's Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has been engaged in diplomatic talks in London. **What this means for Mauritius** For Mauritius, the Chagos deal is both a matter of national sovereignty and a significant financial opportunity. The islands were separated from Mauritius by Britain in 1965, before independence, in what Mauritian governments have consistently called an illegal act. However, Trump's vocal opposition — and the prospect of US pressure on the UK — raises real uncertainty about whether a final agreement can be signed. The US does not need to formally approve the deal, but its cooperation is essential for any arrangement governing the Diego Garcia base to work in practice. If Washington hardens its position, it could force the UK to renegotiate terms or delay signing indefinitely, leaving Mauritius's sovereignty claim unresolved. Diplomatic observers are watching closely to see how the UK government responds to American pressure, and whether Mauritius will need to make concessions to bring the US on board. Source: Le Défi Media