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President Donald Trump unloaded on the United Kingdom Tuesday morning via Truth Social, calling its Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius an "act of GREAT
STUPIDITY." The post targeted PM Keir Starmer's government for agreeing last May to cede sovereignty while leasing back Diego Garcia—home to a crucial joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia... FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER," Trump wrote. He warned China and Russia see such moves as "total weakness," linking it directly to his demand that Denmark hand over Greenland. The White House backed the deal last year, but Trump now sees it fueling his Arctic territory grab.
Diego Garcia sits dead center in the Indian Ocean, hosting bombers, carriers, and spy gear for strikes across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Its long runway handles B-2s, deep port takes fleets, and classified bunkers run surveillance non-stop. Trump argued powers respect only strength, claiming his leadership earned US global awe in one year. He piled on Denmark and European allies, saying they must "DO THE RIGHT THING" on Greenland amid his tariff threats.
The tirade landed hours before Trump's Davos speech, bruising the US-UK "special relationship" Starmer prized. London struck the first post-election trade deal with Washington last year, rolling out red carpets for Trump's fall state visit. Starmer spoke to Trump Sunday, telling him tariffs on NATO partners over Greenland miss the mark. At Monday's Downing Street presser, the PM stressed calm ally dialogue. "Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone," Starmer said flatly.
Diego Garcia Deal Stirs Base Fears
Britain pays Mauritius £101 million yearly to keep US operations humming under the 2025 treaty. Trump called it needless giveaway, ignoring strategic lease terms. The atoll powered Gulf Wars, Afghanistan runs, and Houthi watches—irreplaceable for Indo-Pacific reach. London insists security holds firm; critics fear Mauritius drifts toward Beijing.
Greenland protests waved flags outside Nuuk's US consulate January 17. Denmark's Mette Frederiksen repeats "not for sale." Trump eyes 10% tariffs February 1 on eight allies, scaling to 25% by June. France drew 200% wine duties Monday after Macron's Davos snub.
NATO Rifts Test Alliance Bonds
Starmer values Trump ties despite clashes, but Greenland pressure strains unity. Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre eyes EU retaliation. Denmark warns readiness to "fight back." Sirius Dog Sled Patrols keep Arctic eyes sharp as NATO drills ramp up.
Davos awaits Trump's Wednesday address and Thursday Gaza "Board of Peace" charter. Markets eye trade war sparks. Starmer bets diplomacy over bluster holds the line.
