Trump Condemns UK's Diego Garcia Decision

Satellite imagery from 2025 reveals continued US military activity at Diego Garcia, a remote base in the Indian Ocean now at the center of a diplomatic dispute. The images show B-2 Spirit bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft operating from the secretive installation.

President Donald Trump has publicly condemned the UK's decision to transfer sovereignty of the surrounding Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the move an "act of great stupidity." The controversy highlights the base's critical role in American power projection across three continents.

The strategic importance of Diego Garcia has transformed a long-planned sovereignty transfer into a political flashpoint, with implications for US national security and international relations.

President Trump's condemnation came via Truth Social, where he expressed shock at the UK's decision. "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER," he wrote.

The President argued that Russia and China had "noticed this act of total weakness," framing the sovereignty transfer as a national security vulnerability. He connected the issue to his broader geopolitical strategy, stating the move "is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired."

Trump's position represents a significant shift from his administration's previous stance. The UK government noted that "the president explicitly recognised its strength last year," referencing earlier praise for the arrangement as a "monumental achievement" that secured long-term operations.

Giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.

At the White House, Trump later clarified that the deal had changed from its original format, adding, "I think they should keep it." The British Prime Minister's office emphasized that Five Eyes intelligence agencies had approved the transfer.

The UK has reached a complex agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, located near Madagascar. Under the arrangement, Diego Garcia will remain under British control through a 99-year lease, with an option to renew.

The financial cost to the UK is substantial, with the arrangement expected to cost approximately $136 million annually. This figure reflects the ongoing operational expenses and lease payments required to maintain the base's functionality.

The agreement follows years of international pressure and legal rulings. In 2019, the International Court of Justice determined that Britain's removal of the native Chagossian people in the late 1960s and early 1970s was unlawful, recommending that the UK relinquish control of the islands.

• Transfer sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius
• Maintain Diego Garcia under British control
• 99-year lease agreement with renewal option
• Annual cost of approximately $136 million

The base has operated as a secretive US-UK military installation since the early 1970s, established after the controversial removal of the indigenous population.

Diego Garcia serves as a cornerstone of US and allied power projection across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its extreme remoteness and strategic location provide unparalleled air power and maritime reach from the Indian Ocean.

The base hosts units from the US Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as the UK Royal Navy. Its geographical position makes it critical for refueling operations for military aircraft and vessels conducting long-range missions.

American bombers including B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirits, and B-52 Stratofortresses have been stationed at the base, alongside nuclear-powered submarines. The installation has supported major military operations throughout its history.

From Diego Garcia, US bombers launched attacks in Afghanistan after 9/11 and against Iraq during the 2003 invasion.

Historical operations include the first Gulf War in 1991, where the base was central to logistics. In 2001, a B-2 bomber set a record for the longest bombing run, flying over 44 hours from Missouri to land at Diego Garcia.

Satellite imagery from 2025 provides visual confirmation of ongoing US military presence at Diego Garcia. The images show various aircraft types, including the distinctive flying-wing design of B-2 Spirit bombers and KC-135 refueling tankers.

Additional imagery from the same period captured a destroyer at the base, demonstrating the multi-domain nature of operations. The presence of both air and naval assets underscores the installation's role as a comprehensive military hub.

In June 2025, prior to US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, experts noted a significant B-2 bomber presence at Diego Garcia. While speculation suggested potential involvement in Operation Midnight Hammer, the actual strike involved a B-2 task force that flew directly from the United States.

• B-2 Spirit stealth bombers
• KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft
• Destroyer vessels
• Nuclear-powered submarines

These satellite observations confirm that Diego Garcia remains an active, vital component of US military logistics and power projection capabilities.

The controversy surrounding Diego Garcia represents a diplomatic challenge between two close allies at a time of increasing geopolitical tension. President Trump's public criticism adds pressure to an already complex sovereignty arrangement.

As the UK proceeds with its transfer of Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius, the 99-year lease for Diego Garcia aims to ensure operational continuity. However, the political debate highlights the base's enduring strategic value in an era of great power competition.

Future developments will likely focus on the implementation of the sovereignty agreement and the base's role in supporting US operations across multiple theaters. The satellite evidence confirms that Diego Garcia continues to serve as a critical node in American military strategy.

Key questions remain about how the political rhetoric will affect the practical aspects of the lease agreement and whether the base's mission scope will evolve in response to changing regional dynamics.