Former US President Donald Trump has been accused of 'presidential trolling' by a senior British MP following an incendiary social media post in which he branded the UK's deal over the Chagos Islands an 'act of GREAT STUPIDITY'.
Trump's Explosive Intervention
The extraordinary outburst occurred on the morning of 20 January 2026. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the United Kingdom was planning to 'give away' Diego Garcia – the site of a vital US military base in the Indian Ocean – to Mauritius 'FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER'.
He framed the decision as an 'act of total weakness' being closely watched by China and Russia, stating that such powers 'only recognise STRENGTH'. Trump explicitly linked the controversy to his stated ambition to acquire Greenland, calling it 'another in a very long line of National Security reasons' for the proposed acquisition.
UK Political Reaction: Calm vs. Confrontation
The response from Westminster was swift. Dame Emily Thornberry, the chair of the Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee, led the charge, characterising Trump's comments as a clear example of trolling. Appearing on BBC Radio 4, she advised that the UK must 'remain calm' and clearly define the boundaries of acceptable discourse.
'We've always said that we don't take him literally but we need to take him seriously,' Thornberry stated, countering Trump's claims by reading out a statement from May 2025 in which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the historic Chagos agreement and commended both the UK and Mauritius.
Cabinet Minister Darren Jones struck a defiant tone, denying that Britain had been 'humiliated' by the former President's remarks. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Jones asserted that the UK would not be 'cowed' by an increasingly volatile global situation and would continue to stand up for British interests and values.
Opposition Seizes on Trump's Comments
In a notable twist, figures from opposition parties welcomed Trump's intervention. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch agreed with the sentiment, stating: 'Paying to surrender the Chagos Islands is not just an act of stupidity, but of complete self sabotage. I’ve been clear and unfortunately on this issue President Trump is right.'
Similarly, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed gratitude, posting: 'Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos islands.' This highlights the domestic political divisions the international row has exposed.
The controversy erupts against the backdrop of broader tensions, following Trump's threat over the weekend to impose tariffs on NATO allies, including the UK, unless a deal to purchase Greenland is reached. The UK government has emphasised that the Chagos agreement ensures the Diego Garcia base remains secure under a 99-year leaseback arrangement with Mauritius.
