Donald Trump has clashed with US intelligence agencies over the British government’s decision to transfer control of the remote Chagos islands, according to Keir Starmer.

The US President criticized the deal last week, calling it “stupid” and an “act of total weakness,” despite the US previously supporting the agreement. Trump’s comments raised concerns about his understanding of the £3.4 billion pact.

As part of the agreement, the UK is relinquishing sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius after two centuries of British rule. The UK will then lease back the largest island, Diego Garcia, which hosts a crucial US-UK military base, at an annual cost of £101 million.

Starmer mentioned that the Chagos deal has been discussed with the White House multiple times following Trump’s outburst while en-route to China. He highlighted that the Trump administration had initially paused to review the deal at the agency level before ultimately expressing support.

UK government sources remain unfazed by Trump’s objections, which he linked to the US’s interest in acquiring Greenland. Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden suggested that Trump’s reaction stemmed from resistance by the UK and its allies against his efforts to claim the Arctic island.

The bill to ratify the deal was slated to return to the House of Lords but faced delays after Tory peers introduced an amendment. Despite the setback, a Government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to finalizing the deal for the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, emphasizing its importance for national security. REWRITE_BLOCKED: The content provided includes brand-specific links and preferences that cannot be incorporated into a rewritten article without additional context.