Trump says he can do business with Burnham but criticises 'terrible' Chagos deal
US President Donald Trump has sharply rebuked the UK agreement to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius, describing the move as an act of great stupidity. While Trump claims he can still do business with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the rebuke signals deep strategic disagreements over the region. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is proceeding with negotiations and the handover despite these tensions and internal UK political backlash regarding costs and security.
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- ✓ Donald Trump described the UK agreement to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius as an act of great stupidity.
- ✓ Donald Trump stated he can do business with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- ✓ Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is continuing negotiations and the sovereignty handover.
What changed
Trump specifically characterized the sovereignty agreement as an act of great stupidity.
Live updates
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Trump calls Chagos Islands transfer an act of great stupidity
US President Donald Trump has sharply rebuked the UK agreement to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius, describing the move as an act of great stupidity. While Trump claims he can still do business with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the rebuke signals deep strategic disagreements over the region. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is proceeding with negotiations and the handover despite these tensions and internal UK political backlash regarding costs and security.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands and the stability of the Diego Garcia base. This transfer tests the strength of the UK-US alliance and the application of international law regarding decolonization.
What is confirmed
- Donald Trump described the UK agreement to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius as an act of great stupidity.
- Donald Trump stated he can do business with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is continuing negotiations and the sovereignty handover.
Still unconfirmed
- Suella Braverman warned Prime Minister Burnham against issuing a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade.
- Professor Dapo Akande will be the first UK judge on the UN body for the first time in almost a decade.
What to watch next
- Official response from the UK government to Trump's stupidity comment
- Updates on the timeline for the Diego Garcia base sovereignty transfer
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.youtube.com — IN FULL: Burnham says he 'FORGIVES' Trump for previous ...
- londondaily.com — Trump’s ‘Act of Great Stupidity’ Comment on UK Chagos Deal ...
- londondaily.com — Diego Garcia and the Chagos Dispute: When Decolonization ...
- www.dailymail.com — Burnham hails UK lawyer who backed Chagos Islands giveaway ...
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Trump Criticises Chagos Deal Amid Burnham Talks
US President Donald Trump has criticised the agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a terrible deal while maintaining he can do business with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting continues negotiations and the sovereignty handover despite ongoing backlash regarding security and costs. Political friction around the administration also intensified as Suella Braverman warned Prime Minister Burnham against issuing a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade, a warning she linked directly to the unfolding controversy over the Chagos Islands transfer.
Why it matters
The sovereignty transfer of the Chagos Islands has sparked intense domestic political debate in the UK, drawing warnings from figures like Suella Braverman over related reparations and government apologies. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting persists with the handover negotiations despite persistent questions from critics regarding national security and financial expenses.
What is confirmed
- US President Donald Trump called the agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius a terrible deal.
- Donald Trump stated that he can conduct business with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting continues with negotiations and the sovereignty transfer despite backlash and questions on cost and security.
- Suella Braverman warned Andy Burnham against issuing a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade.
Still unconfirmed
- Alastair Campbell stated on The Mirror YouTube show Sense Check that the US may never recover its international reputation following the tenure of Donald Trump.
What to watch next
- Developments in the ongoing Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer negotiations led by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.
- Decisions by Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.televisioncatchup.co.uk — Newsnight - Burnham and Trump Meet for the First Time
- www.gbnews.com — Suella Braverman warns Andy Burnham against formal slave ...
- www.aol.co.uk — Donald Trump has done 'fundamental' damage to US on the world ...
- newscord.org — Suella Braverman warns Andy Burnham against formal slave ...
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Trump criticizes Chagos deal, says can do business with Burnham
US President Donald Trump expressed opposition to the agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the deal 'terrible'. He also stated that he can conduct business with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This comes as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting continues with negotiations and the sovereignty transfer despite backlash and questions on cost and security.
Why it matters
The meeting between Trump and Burnham in New York discussed various topics including Ukraine, trade, the Falkland Islands, and Diego Garcia. The Chagos Islands issue has been a point of contention, with Trump now publicly criticizing the deal. The transfer of sovereignty has been a sensitive topic, with concerns over cost, security, and the islands' strategic importance.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump's approval rating is at 34 percent, the lowest for a president nearing midterms since Harry Truman in 1946
- Donald Trump said Andy Burnham 'is getting it done' and that it will 'make UK a very wealthy country'
- Donald Trump called the Chagos Islands deal 'terrible'
Still unconfirmed
- Officials fear a post-midterms Trump rampage
What to watch next
- The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections and its impact on Trump's stance on the Chagos Islands deal
- The UK's negotiations with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer
- The US-UK discussions on trade and other bilateral issues
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.cnn.com — Officials fear a post-midterms Trump rampage | CNN Politics
- www.independent.co.uk — Donald Trump insists polls are fake and claims his approval ...
- www.independent.co.uk — Donald Trump says ‘Andy Burnham is getting it done’ as US ...
- www.cbsnews.com — 2026 elections live updates as Trump reverses course on canceling rallies in Kansas and Iowa
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Trump Criticises Chagos Deal in First Meeting with Burnham
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and United States President Donald Trump held their first meeting in New York, discussing Ukraine, trade, the Falkland Islands, and Diego Garcia. Trump expressed opposition to the agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the deal terrible while stating he can conduct business with Burnham. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting continues pressing forward with negotiations and the sovereignty transfer despite political backlash and mounting questions regarding cost and security.
Why it matters
The United Kingdom signed a treaty to cede control of the Chagos archipelago to secure the long-term operation of the critical Diego Garcia military base. Labour is advancing the plan while balancing international security concerns and friction from American political opposition. The direct talks between Burnham and Trump bring transatlantic tensions over the sovereignty transfer to the forefront.
What is confirmed
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump held their first meeting in New York.
- Wes Streeting presses ahead with the Chagos Islands deal amid concerns over cost and political backlash for Labour.
Still unconfirmed
- Burnham and Trump discussed Ukraine, the Falkland Islands, trade and Diego Garcia during their New York meeting.
What to watch next
- Further updates on the progression of the Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer to Mauritius.
- Additional statements from the UK government regarding the cost and security details of the deal.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.kiprinform.com — Burnham and Trump hold first meeting in New York
- londonlovesbusiness.com — Labour’s Chagos deal faces mounting questions over cost and ...
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UK Pushes Chagos Deal Despite Trump Opposition
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the United Kingdom will continue negotiations to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The decision moves forward despite Donald Trump expressing opposition to the pact and criticizing the agreement. The UK signed a treaty to cede control of the territory to secure the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base located on the archipelago. Labour is advancing the plan while navigating international security concerns and political friction surrounding the sovereignty transfer.
Why it matters
The sovereignty transfer depends heavily on United States support because of national security implications linked to the Diego Garcia military base. Attempts to reverse the treaty face geopolitical scrutiny regarding foreign influence in the region. Mauritius maintains that its sovereignty claim is non-negotiable, while domestic political figures debate the terms of the agreement.
What is confirmed
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that Labour will push ahead with negotiations to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The UK signed a treaty to cede control of the territory in exchange for securing the continued operation of the Diego Garcia base on the archipelago.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump criticized the Chagos deal while indicating he can do business with Andy Burnham.
What to watch next
- Further official statements from the United States administration regarding the Chagos treaty.
- Developments in the Labour government's negotiations with Mauritius over the sovereignty transfer.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.independent.co.uk — White House wades into Badenoch-Farage row over the Chagos ...
- www.gbnews.com — Labour to push ahead with Chagos 'surrender deal' despite ...
- foreignpolicy.com — Trump’s Opposition to the Chagos Islands Deal Benefits China
- www.lbc.co.uk — UK to 'press ahead' with Chagos negotiations as Streeting ...
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Chagos Deal Stalls as Mauritius Threatens Legal Action
Renewed discussions over the stalled Chagos Islands sovereignty agreement have revived resettlement hopes, but Mauritius has threatened legal action against the United Kingdom as Donald Trump's opposition holds up the pact. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated that the sovereignty claim is non-negotiable. Meanwhile, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK Prime Minister Andrew Burnham for official talks regarding the islands. The entire sovereignty transfer hinges on United States support due to national security concerns surrounding the Diego Garcia military base.
Why it matters
Sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago has long been disputed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, which administers the territory. Between 1967 and 1973, the UK forcibly removed or prevented the return of the entire local population to establish a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. Mauritius subsequently pursued the matter across international legal and political fora, arguing that British administration violates United Nations resolutions.
What is confirmed
- Mauritius has threatened legal action against the UK over the stalled Chagos Islands agreement.
- Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated that the sovereignty claim is not negotiable.
- Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu invited UK Prime Minister Andrew Burnham for official talks on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
- The entire population of the Chagos Archipelago was either prevented from returning or forcibly removed by the United Kingdom between 1967 and 1973.
Still unconfirmed
- Ageing Chagossians fear that time is running out for resettlement as renewed talks over the stalled agreement proceed.
What to watch next
- Official outcomes from any formal talks between UK Prime Minister Andrew Burnham and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
- Any legal filings or formal actions initiated by Mauritius against the UK government over the stalled agreement.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.aljazeera.com — UK-Mauritius Chagos sovereignty deal stalls amid fears of ...
- www.anews.com.tr — Mauritius says Chagos sovereignty brings responsibilities ...
- english.sun.mv — Maldives invites UK PM Burnham for official talks on Chagos ...
- mediabias.news — Irish News media bias and reliability — MediaBias News
- www.bbc.com — What Americans think about the death penalty
- www.lemauricien.com — Chagos : Souveraineté et décolonisation – Ramgoolam à Powell ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute - Wikipedia
- www.gbnews.com — Donald Trump is exposing Andy Burnham's weakness as Britain ...
- www.independent.co.uk — Badenoch and Farage embroiled in furious row over Falklands ...
- www.easterneye.biz — Mauritius threatens legal action against UK over stalled ...
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Trump Slams Chagos Deal as UK Reviews Sovereignty Transfer
US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, creating immediate friction with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The two leaders held their first high-stakes meeting on September 22 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump condemned the plan as terrible and ridiculous, citing national security concerns for the Diego Garcia military base. In response to the American pushback, UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that officials are reviewing the pact. The entire sovereignty transfer hinges on US support.
Why it matters
The sovereignty transfer has drawn heavy criticism and lost the backing of Donald Trump. Observers argue the arrangement appeals to no voters and signals weakness that could encourage territorial claims over other British overseas territories like the Falklands. UK leadership now faces mounting pressure to kill off the agreement permanently.
What is confirmed
- On September 22, Andy Burnham met Donald Trump for the first time as Prime Minister on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Still unconfirmed
- The proposal to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and pay for the privilege appeals to no voters and has lost the support of Donald Trump.
What to watch next
- Official decisions from the UK government regarding the ongoing review of the Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer.
- Further statements from US and UK officials concerning the security of the Diego Garcia military base.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.whitehouse.gov — President Donald J. Trump - The White House
- en.wikipedia.org — Donald Trump - Wikipedia
- www.whitehouse.gov — Trump TV – The White House
- www.cnn.com — Donald J. Trump news | CNN Politics
- polisanalysis.substack.com — Intelligence Briefing: Relations Are Better Under Burnham ...
- time.com — Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said in His 2026 Interview ...
- www.cityam.com — Burnham must kill off bonkers Chagos deal for good
- www.ustoday-news.com — Chris Mason: From inside the room, how Burnham survived first ...
- en.mercopress.com — The Telegraph links the Chagos deal to Argentina's Falklands ...
- www.bbc.com — Watch: New York governor blasts handling of Cornell rape inquiry
- www.cnn.com — Trump admin creates at least 13 ads for taxpayer-funded campaign...
- www.theguardian.com — ‘Trump? I think he’s a disaster’: Ohio voters aggrieved as president prepares to visit | Ohio
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UK Reviewing Chagos Deal After Trump Criticism
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham completed his first high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump at the UN general assembly in New York. The encounter brought immediate friction over Britain's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Trump slammed the plan as terrible and ridiculous, raising national security concerns regarding the strategic Diego Garcia military base located on the islands. In response to the US pushback, UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that officials are reviewing the pact. The fate of the entire sovereignty transfer hinges on US support.
Why it matters
The Chagos Islands host a critical joint UK-US military base. The proposed sovereignty transfer to Mauritius involved a 99-year lease for Britain to operate the installation. The intervention from Washington forces the British government to re-evaluate the diplomatic pact during Burnham's early months in office.
What is confirmed
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first meeting with US President Donald Trump at the UN general assembly in New York.
- U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the agreement to surrender the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that officials were reviewing the pact following criticism from Donald Trump.
- The Chagos Islands house a strategic UK-US military base.
What to watch next
- Decisions by British officials on whether to alter or abandon the Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer
- Further statements from the US administration regarding support for the Diego Garcia military base lease
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.theguardian.com — Has Burnham proved he can handle Trump? - The Latest
- www.bbc.com — Watch: The many questions raised by the failed execution of Christa Pike
- www.bbc.com — Watch: Shipwreck found on Nantucket island during nor'easter storm
- www.wccbcharlotte.com — What to know about the deal by Britain to surrender the ...
- www.gbnews.com — Chagos deal: Labour minister skewered on 'dud' surrender in ...
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Chagos Islands - The Telegraph
- uk.news.yahoo.com — Conference confidential: Andy Burnham bounces onwards but at ...
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Trump Slams Chagos Deal as UK Pledges Review
US President Donald Trump slammed the UK agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius during his first face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham in New York, calling the plan terrible and ridiculous. Trump raised national security concerns regarding the Diego Garcia military base. In response to the criticism, Britain announced it will revisit the Chagos deal. The proposed agreement previously included a 99-year lease for Britain to operate the base with an extension option. UK insiders believe the agreement is unlikely to be revived unless Trump changes his mind.
Why it matters
The disagreement over the Chagos Islands creates friction between Washington and London regarding national security and military base access in the Indian Ocean. Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure to balance bilateral relations with the US administration against existing diplomatic commitments made to Mauritius. Previous UK plans involved transferring sovereignty while leasing back the strategic Diego Garcia facility.
What is confirmed
- Donald Trump stated he can do business with Andy Burnham during their first face-to-face meeting in New York.
- Trump criticized the UK plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a terrible deal.
- The UK announced it will revisit the Chagos deal following Trump's criticism.
- The original agreement included a 99-year lease for Britain with an option to extend.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump's Chagos Islands blast left Prime Minister Andy Burnham stunned.
What to watch next
- Formal policy announcements from the UK government detailing changes to the Chagos Islands agreement.
- Further statements from US officials concerning the security status of the Diego Garcia military base.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — 'Terrible & ridiculous': Trump’s Chagos Islands blast leaves ...
- www.bbc.com — Burnham 'gets it' says Trump, as the two leaders meet reporters
- www.theguardian.com — No signs Chagos deal can be adapted to suit Trump, say UK ...
- gulfnews.com — UK says will revisit Chagos deal after latest Trump criticism
- www.straitstimes.com — Britain says will revisit Chagos deal after latest Trump ...
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Trump Criticises Chagos Deal After Meeting UK PM Burnham
US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held their first face-to-face meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump praised Burnham as a natural businessman and stated he can conduct business with him, contrasting his relations with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, Trump criticized the UK plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and pay to lease back an important military base as a terrible deal. The leaders also discussed trade, Ukraine, and the Falklands.
Why it matters
The meeting occurred while world leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly, where Trump delivered a speech addressing a potential deal with Iran or the annihilation of the Islamic Republic. The UK's controversial proposal regarding the Chagos Islands remains a focal point of transatlantic friction over military and territorial security. Meanwhile, Burnham raised concerns that ongoing Gaza violence and settlements are pushing the two-state solution to a point of no return.
What is confirmed
- US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met face-to-face for the first time at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Trump praised Burnham as a natural businessman and stated he can do business with him.
- Trump criticized the UK agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a terrible deal.
- The UK proposal involves handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and paying to lease back a key military base.
Still unconfirmed
- Burnham informed Trump during their discussions that the Falkland Islands will remain British.
- Trump remarked that his relationship with Burnham is better than his previous relations with Keir Starmer.
- Burnham stated that Gaza violence and settlements are pushing the two-state solution to the point of no return.
What to watch next
- Formal updates on the implementation or modification of the UK Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius.
- Further diplomatic statements from the US and UK regarding trade and regional security in the Middle East.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.middleeasteye.net — Live: After 'annihilation' threat, Trump hails 'very productive' Iran talks
- www.bbc.co.uk — Trump says he can do business with Burnham but criticises 'terrible' Chagos deal - BBC News
- www.bbc.co.uk — World leaders gather at UN General Assembly with Trump and Burnham to meet for first time - BBC
- www.yahoo.com — Trump's full speech to the UN: 'Globalist conspiracies', annihilating Iran and 'Super Intelligence'
- www.wionews.com — Trump calls UK PM Burnham 'natural business person' but criticises 'terrible' Chagos deal - WION,Latest W....
- flipboard.com — 'I tossed books across the room': Booker Prize judges reveal 'tussle' over shortlist
- www.libdemblogs.co.uk — LibDemBlogs - Archive Tuesday 22nd September 2026
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Trump praises Burnham but slams Chagos deal
US President Donald Trump stated he can conduct business with new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and praised him as a natural businessman following their first face-to-face meeting at the United Nations General Assembly. However, Trump criticized the UK agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands as a terrible deal. During their discussions, Burnham informed Trump that the Falkland Islands will remain British. Trump also remarked that his relationship with Burnham is better than his previous relations with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Why it matters
The meeting marks the first diplomatic engagement between the US president and the newly installed British prime minister during the UN General Assembly. The discussions touch on contentious territorial arrangements and bilateral relations, highlighting points of alignment alongside sharp disagreement over UK foreign policy decisions.
What is confirmed
- Donald Trump stated he can do business with Andy Burnham and praised him as a natural businessman.
- Donald Trump criticized the UK agreement regarding the Chagos Islands.
- Andy Burnham told Donald Trump that the Falkland Islands will remain British.
- Donald Trump said his relationship with Andy Burnham is better than his relations with Keir Starmer.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump claimed that new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will reconsider the Chagos deal.
What to watch next
- Whether the UK government formally alters its position or approach regarding the Chagos Islands agreement following the US criticism.
- Further bilateral statements or policy coordination between the US administration and the UK government during the UN General Assembly.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (16)
- BBC — Live updates: World leaders due at UN General Assembly
- The New York Times — Burnham Hopes for ‘Common Ground’ With Trump in First Meeting
- The Guardian — Donald Trump praises ‘natual businessman’ Andy Burnham after first meeting
- Reuters — UK PM Burnham says he and US President Trump have established 'good connection'
- Bloomberg.com — Trump Criticizes Chagos Deal in First Meeting With UK’s Burnham
- PBS — Britain's Burnham to meet Trump and make UN debut after offering UK military support for Saudis
- The Guardian — Ella Baron on Andy Burnham’s visit to the United Nations – cartoon
- South China Morning Post — Trump criticises UK’s Chagos deal, says new British PM Burnham will reconsider
- The Guardian — Call it a win: boredom but no temper tantrums in Burnham’s first face-to-face with America’s King Baby
- Reuters — Britain will stand firm over Falklands, UK PM Burnham tells Trump
- The Guardian — Trump says relations better with Burnham than Starmer after first face-to-face meeting
- BBC — How did Trump and Burnham's first meeting unfold?
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