- Chagos
Islands exiles, led by First Minister Misley Mandarin, offered to name an
island after U.S. President Donald Trump if he vetoes the UK-Mauritius
sovereignty deal. - Proposal
aims to preserve British control, enabling Chagossian return; follows
Trump’s 19 January criticism labelling the agreement “an act of great
stupidity.” - UK-Mauritius
treaty (May 2025) transfers Chagos sovereignty while leasing Diego Garcia
military base back for 99 years to secure operations. - Mandarin
contacted Trump directly, expressing confidence in U.S. intervention; UK
insists deal has prior Trump backing and protects strategic interests. - Reactions
include Reform UK’s Nigel Farage praising Trump; renewed London-Washington
talks as ratification awaits U.S. alignment.
London (Washington Insider Megazine) January 30, 2026 –
Chagos Islands exiles have offered to name one of the archipelago’s islands
after U.S. President Donald Trump if he blocks the UK-Mauritius sovereignty
agreement. Chagossian leader in exile Misley Mandarin urged Trump to veto the
deal, describing it as essential to preserve British control and allow their
return. The proposal follows Trump’s recent criticism of the arrangement as “an
act of great stupidity,” despite prior U.S. endorsement, prompting renewed
talks between London and Washington. UK officials maintain the treaty secures
the Diego Garcia military base for generations while addressing international
legal challenges.
The Chagos government in exile, led by Misley Mandarin,
formally proposed renaming an island in honour of President Trump as a “gesture
of thank you” for intervening against the UK’s planned handover of sovereignty
to Mauritius. Mandarin, selected by UK-based Chagossians in late 2025 as their
“first minister,” contacted Trump directly and expressed 100 per cent
confidence that Washington would halt the process. He suggested the renaming
could also boost American tourism to the remote Indian Ocean territory.
This development coincides with Trump’s 19 January Truth
Social post condemning the deal, marking a reversal from earlier Trump
administration support expressed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. UK Prime
Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted on 28 January that Trump had initially
backed the agreement “in very clear terms” following U.S. intelligence review.
Background to UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Agreement
The UK agreed in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty of the
Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius under a £4.5 billion treaty, leasing back Diego
Garcia—the largest island and site of a joint UK-U.S. military base—for at
least 99 years. The arrangement followed International Court of Justice rulings
deeming the islands Mauritian territory, despite lacking jurisdiction over
Commonwealth areas, and aimed to secure the base’s legal foundation amid
challenges.
A UK government spokesperson stated the deal ensures “the
operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations, with robust
provisions for keeping its unique capabilities intact and our adversaries out.”
The treaty received public endorsement from the U.S., Australia, and other Five
Eyes allies, plus India and Japan, at the time of signing.
Chagossians were forcibly removed from the islands in the
1960s and 1970s to facilitate the Diego Garcia base construction, with no
permanent inhabitants permitted since except military personnel. Campaigners,
including the exile government, oppose the handover, arguing they were not
consulted and favour British protectorate status for return rights.
Misley Mandarin’s Direct Appeal to President Trump
Mandarin wrote to Trump last week, interpreting the
president’s social media criticism as a response to his plea. In interviews, he
called for an immediate veto, stating Trump “needs to veto it as soon as
possible” to prevent the surrender. The proposed island naming echoes a 2019
precedent when Israel named a Golan Heights settlement Ramat Trump after U.S.
recognition of its sovereignty.
Mandarin questioned Starmer’s emphasis on Mauritius’s
autonomy, asking, “What about British overseas territory? What about British
Chagossians?” He expressed delight at Trump’s stance, linking it to broader
U.S. security interests in the Indo-Pacific.
The White House has not directly responded to Mandarin’s
letter, though Trump tied the Chagos decision to his push for U.S. acquisition
of Greenland, warning China and Russia had noted Britain’s “act of total
weakness.”
Trump Administration’s Shifting Position on Deal
Trump met Starmer in February 2025, reportedly stating the
arrangement would “work very well,” with Rubio later welcoming it
post-interagency review as securing Diego Garcia’s “long-term, stable, and
effective operation.” However, Trump’s 19 January post labelled it unjustified
stupidity, prompting UK reconsideration of U.S. involvement.
On 28 January, Starmer reiterated Trump’s initial support
during a flight to China, as White House officials and Republican senators met
Chagossian campaigners opposing the treaty. Further meetings occurred on 29
January, with sources indicating the exile group offered to name the main
island after Trump for vetoing the deal and enabling their return as a British
protectorate.
UK ministers emphasise national security remains paramount,
with the base under prior legal threat from court decisions.
UK Political Reactions to Trump’s Criticism
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage aligned with Trump on 20
January, stating, “Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos
Islands.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it “not just an act of
stupidity, but of complete self-sabotage,” after meeting U.S. House Speaker
Mike Johnson, who shared her view.
House of Lords amendments to disclose full handover costs
were voted down by ministers on 29 January. A Chagossian referendum amendment
was ruled out by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle as imposing public revenue charges.
Downing Street maintains the deal’s international backing
and base protections, rejecting compromise claims.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia Military Base
Diego Garcia hosts a vital UK-U.S. naval and air facility
supporting Indo-Pacific operations, drawing Trump administration focus amid
traditional European ties. The base’s capabilities are preserved under the
treaty, with adversaries excluded via lease terms.
Human Rights Watch noted on 20 January that Trump’s attack
overlooks Chagossians’ unresolved return rights, as Mauritius also bars
habitation except for base staff. The archipelago’s uninhabited status persists
post-evictions.
Ongoing Campaign Efforts by Chagos Exile Government
The UK-based Chagossian government in exile advocates
retaining British sovereignty to facilitate returns. Mandarin’s leadership
focuses on lobbying U.S. figures, with recent Capitol Hill and State Department
engagements.
Opponents assert the deal undermines Chagossian interests
without consultation, favouring protectorate status over Mauritian control. The
naming offer aims to secure Trump’s intervention amid his Greenland rhetoric
linking Arctic and Indian Ocean security.
Legal and International Context of Sovereignty Dispute
The treaty addresses ICJ opinions on Mauritian sovereignty,
though non-binding on Commonwealth matters. Signed last May, ratification
awaits final U.S. and allied alignment.
Reuters outlined key facts on 20 January, noting Trump’s call
amid ongoing implementation. Sky News highlighted controversy over Diego
Garcia’s formal transfer despite lease-back.
As of 30 January, the Telegraph reported exiles’ renewed
naming pledge to derail Starmer’s agreement. UK-U.S. talks continue, with no formal
veto confirmed.
