Donald Trump’s position on the United Kingdom’s proposed agreement over the Chagos Islands has shifted over time, reflecting a broader debate in Washington about sovereignty, security and allied coordination in the Indian Ocean.

The UK government is negotiating a deal that would see sovereignty of the Chagos Islands transferred to Mauritius while preserving long-term Western military access to the strategically critical base on Diego Garcia.

British officials have argued that the arrangement would resolve a decades-old dispute while ensuring continued operational control of the joint US-UK facility under a binding lease.

Trump initially expressed concern about the proposal when it emerged as a subject of diplomatic negotiations, signalling that any change in sovereignty must not undermine American strategic interests.

He emphasised the importance of Diego Garcia as a vital hub for US power projection, maritime security and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.

At various points, Trump suggested that Washington should closely examine the implications of the agreement, particularly in light of intensifying global competition and the need to protect key military infrastructure.

His remarks underscored a longstanding emphasis on safeguarding American defence assets and ensuring that allied arrangements do not dilute operational readiness.

More recently, Trump again indicated reservations about the UK’s approach, reiterating that decisions affecting Diego Garcia must prioritise US national security.

While he has not outlined a detailed alternative framework, his comments reflect a cautious stance toward transferring sovereignty even with guarantees of continued base access.

The Chagos Islands dispute dates back to the 1960s, when Britain separated the territory from Mauritius prior to Mauritian independence and later established the joint base.

International legal bodies have since called for decolonisation, prompting London to enter formal negotiations with Mauritius.

The current US administration has maintained close engagement with British counterparts on the issue.

Trump’s evolving commentary highlights the domestic political dimension of foreign policy debate in the United States, particularly when strategic military installations are involved.

British officials continue to assert that any agreement will safeguard the long-term future of the Diego Garcia facility and preserve robust transatlantic defence cooperation.

Negotiations remain ongoing, with final terms yet to be concluded.