Washington, February 6: U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that he will never allow the American military presence at Diego Garcia to be compromised. He warned that if any future agreements are breached or if U.S. forces are threatened, he reserves the right to “secure and strengthen” the base militarily.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I have discussed the island of Diego Garcia with (British) Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It is a significant U.S. military base strategically located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, making it crucial for national security.”
Trump emphasized the strategic role of U.S. bases abroad. He noted, “Over the past year, our military operations have succeeded due to our soldiers’ strength, the capability of our equipment, and most importantly, the strategic positioning of our military bases.”
Regarding a reported lease agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius related to the island, Trump expressed understanding of the British Prime Minister’s position. He remarked, “I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made is, according to many, the best deal he could have achieved.”
However, he issued a clear warning about any potential risks to American interests in the future. Trump stated, “If the lease deal ever falls apart, or if anyone threatens our operations and troops at the base, I have the right to secure and strengthen the U.S. presence at Diego Garcia militarily.”
Trump also dismissed challenges to the U.S. presence there. He wrote, “Let it be known that I will never allow our presence at such a critical base to be weakened or threatened by false claims or environmental nonsense.”
The White House reiterated this message during a regular briefing. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that Trump had spoken directly with Starmer and supported his decision. She told reporters, “He has spoken directly with Prime Minister Starmer, and he understands and supports the British PM’s position.”
Levitt emphasized that U.S. security rights remain intact. She said, “As the President reiterated in that statement, the United States certainly has the right to protect its assets. We still have a military base on Diego Garcia.”
She further noted that Trump’s stance extends well beyond this matter. Levitt added, “If necessary, the United States will never back down from protecting its assets anywhere in the world, including Diego Garcia.”
Levitt did not provide additional details regarding the lease agreement or any timelines for future decisions. Her comments reinforced the commitment to U.S. military access and the President’s support for a key ally’s perspective.
Diego Garcia is one of the most important U.S. military bases abroad and has long served as a hub for operations in the Indian Ocean region. The base has been central to U.S. power projection in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
The island has also been at the center of international legal and political debates concerning sovereignty and governance.