Donald Trump has directed his attention towards the UK while escalating his threats of acquiring Greenland.
In a recent post on Truth Social at 6:38 am UK time today, the US President criticized the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY.” He argued that this move further justifies the need for the US to take possession of Greenland.
Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with ministers during his weekly Cabinet gathering today, following his call for a calm response to Trump’s trade war threats regarding Greenland. Trump reaffirmed his commitment on Monday evening to impose tariffs on the UK and European allies due to their opposition to his Greenland agenda. An emergency summit is set to be held by the European Union in Brussels on Thursday to address Trump’s latest ultimatum.
In his social media post, the US President stated, “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. There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.”
“These are International Powers who only recognize STRENGTH, which is why the United States of America, under my leadership, is now, after only one year, respected like never before. The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING. Thank you for your attention to this matter. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814, when they were transferred from France along with Mauritius. The islands were designated as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) in 1965, and the indigenous Chagossian population was forcibly relocated shortly after to facilitate the construction of a US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the territory.
Last year, the UK reached an agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of a UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. Sir Keir indicates that the 99-year leaseback deal for Diego Garcia will cost the UK £101 million annually. The Trump administration previously supported the agreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as a “monumental achievement” in May.
Trump’s statements followed reaffirmations of support for Greenland’s sovereignty by European allies, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper asserting that the future of the semi-autonomous Danish territory should be determined solely by “Greenlanders and for the Danes.” Denmark, which deployed troops to Greenland recently, cautioned that any US annexation of the territory would signal the disbandment of NATO.
In a prior post on Truth Social early Tuesday, Trump mentioned a “very good telephone call” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and agreed to convene a meeting “of various parties” in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum. He did not disclose the identities of the parties involved. “Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back — On that, everyone agrees,” he added.
Trump has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all goods shipped from the UK to the US starting February 1, escalating to 25% from June 1, until an agreement is reached for the US to purchase Greenland from Denmark. He stated that the same approach would be applied to other NATO members including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
When asked if he intends to enforce the tariffs, Trump affirmed to NBC News, “I will, 100%.” Regarding using force to acquire Greenland, he replied with a “No comment.” Trump added, “Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them… That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland.”
Starmer’s spokesperson reported that the PM cautioned Trump over the phone, stating, “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is wrong.”
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern that the tariffs would be detrimental to all parties involved. He emphasized the need to prevent any escalation in the dispute and highlighted the possibility