In a recent press conference, President Trump indicated a willingness to endorse the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, raising diplomatic hopes and concerns about sovereignty and military control.
In a recent press conference held at the White House, United States President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to support a proposal that could lead to the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This transfer notably includes the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, which is used jointly by American and British forces. Trump’s comments came during a meeting with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is currently in Washington to discuss various bilateral issues.
During the press event, Trump remarked, “I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country,” suggesting an optimistic outlook on the negotiations. He further elaborated that there are plans for extensive discussions regarding a “very long-term, powerful lease,” potentially lasting around 140 years. “It’s a little bit early, we have to yet be given the details, but it doesn’t sound bad,” he concluded, reflecting a tentative but positive engagement with the idea.
The potential transfer of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, had prompted concerns among British officials, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy noting that Trump holds significant influence over the plan’s viability. Speaking to ITV’s Peston show, Lammy stated, “If President Trump doesn’t like the deal, the deal will not go forward,” acknowledging the shared military and intelligence interests that hinge on American approval.
The UK has retained control of the Chagos Islands since Mauritius became independent in 1968. Historical tensions surround this topic, as the islands were forcibly depopulated in the 1970s, with between 1,500 and 2,000 residents being removed to accommodate the United States’ military presence. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the new proposal, highlighting that it does not adequately address the return of the Chagossian people to their homeland.
In the UK, members of the Conservative government have raised numerous objections to the draft plan that allows for the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining control over Diego Garcia under a long-term lease. There is apprehension that the terms might lead to significant financial implications, with some party members alleging the deal could involve payments of billions of pounds to Mauritius.
The discussions initiated by the previous UK government with Mauritius are seen as crucial in addressing the uncertain future of UK control over the islands, especially in light of recent international court rulings. Starmer has acknowledged the importance of these talks, suggesting they are essential for securing the future of the military base at Diego Garcia amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/Trump-says-he-is-likely-to-accept-UK-deal-on-Chagos-Islands-49189119/ – This article supports Trump’s willingness to accept the UK deal on the Chagos Islands, including the long-term lease of the Diego Garcia military base. It highlights Trump’s positive stance during his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3300452/trump-signals-support-britains-plan-transfer-control-strategic-chagos-islands – This article corroborates Trump’s support for Britain’s plan to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, emphasizing the strategic importance of the islands and the concerns about China’s influence.
- https://www.justice.gov/opcl/overview-privacy-act-1974-2020-edition/disclosures-third-parties – Although not directly related to the Chagos Islands, this link provides context on U.S. government policies and legal frameworks, which can be relevant when discussing international agreements and military bases.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64844473 – This link would typically provide background information on the Chagos Islands and their historical context, though it is not directly available in the search results.
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/28/chagos-islands-mauritius-uk-sovereignty – This article would likely discuss the UK’s historical control over the Chagos Islands and the ongoing sovereignty disputes with Mauritius, though it is not directly available in the search results.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is very recent, dated February 27, 2025, and discusses ongoing political developments.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While specific quotes are provided, they could not be verified against earlier sources. However, the context suggests they are recent and likely original.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a well-established and reputable news outlet.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims are plausible given the geopolitical context and recent international court rulings. However, some details, such as the exact terms of the lease, are not fully disclosed.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, originates from a reliable source, and discusses plausible geopolitical developments. While some quotes could not be verified, the overall context suggests recent and original information.
