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Trump Cites UK's 'Stupidity' on Chagos Islands as Reason for Greenland Interest
The Guardian
January 20, 2026•2 days ago

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President Trump cited the United Kingdom's planned transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a reason for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. He expressed concern that this act, which he called "stupidity" and a "national security reason," demonstrated weakness. Trump believes the U.S. must acquire Greenland to project strength, especially in light of perceived actions by China and Russia.
Donald Trump has suggested Britain’s decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is among the reasons he wants to take over Greenland.
The US president, who is travelling to Davos in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, made the claim as he ramped up his rhetoric on acquiring the Arctic territory.
Trump fired off a flurry of posts on his Truth Social platform overnight on Tuesday about taking over Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, the US’s Nato ally.
Writing on the website, Trump said “Shockingly, our “brilliant” Nato Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US 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 recognise 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.”
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