Trump reverses stance on UKs Chagos Islands agreement with US over Greenland
January 20, 2026 • Google News World
US President Donald Trump has reversed his stance on the UK’s agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, stating that this development makes it necessary for the US to acquire Greenland.
According to reports, Trump had previously expressed support for the UK’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, he has since changed his mind, claiming that this move is a reason why the US should pursue its long-standing goal of acquiring Greenland.
The Chagos Islands are a British overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, and their return to Mauritius was agreed upon as part of a broader deal between the UK and France. The agreement was finalized last year, with the UK agreeing to transfer sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius in exchange for financial compensation.
Trump’s sudden reversal on the Chagos Islands issue has sparked criticism from European leaders, who have accused him of using the issue as a pretext to attack their countries. In recent days, Trump has also made public comments criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, calling them “very nice” but also saying that they are not treating him well.
The UK government has defended its decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, stating that it was a necessary step towards resolving a long-standing dispute over the territory’s sovereignty. The Mauritian government has welcomed the move, describing it as a major victory for its people.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has declined to comment on Trump’s claims about acquiring Greenland, saying only that the US is committed to exploring all options for strengthening its relationships with its allies and partners in the region.
Source: Google News World