Donald Trump has branded the Chagos Islands “surrender” deal an “act of great stupidity” and an “act of total weakness” in a vicious attack on Britain.

Just minutes after his incendiary social media post about Greenland, Mr Trump turned his fire on the UK.

He wrote on Truth Social: “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 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.”

The extraordinary intervention flies directly in the face of the State Department’s official position on the territory.

Last May, when Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the deal had been done, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: “We commend both the United Kingdom and Mauritius for their leadership, vision, and commitment to ensure that Diego Garcia remains fully operational.”

And last February, speaking next to the PM in the Oval Office, Mr Trump told reporters the deal will “work out very well”, adding: “We’ll be inclined to go along with your country. It doesn’t sound bad!”

More to follow…