Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has expressed concerns over the United Kingdom’s consideration of transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. In an op-ed published in The Telegraph, Kennedy argued that such a move could undermine both countries’ security interests and their longstanding alliance.
“The American people regularly list the United Kingdom as our closest ally, and for good reason. We don’t just talk about being allies; we actively work together to protect each other’s interests,” Kennedy wrote.
He continued, “That’s why the United Kingdom’s possible transfer of the Chagos Archipelago, including the joint US-UK military base on the island of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius is so deeply concerning. Any deal that [jeopardizes] the security of Diego Garcia would not only threaten our shared military installation, but it would also undermine the very idea that the United Kingdom is the type of friend Americans can trust to have our backs, and vice versa.”
Kennedy warned about potential risks from global adversaries: “The United Kingdom cannot cede the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius without handing the keys of Diego Garcia to the Chinese Communist Party.”
He added that geopolitical tensions require strong alliances: “At a time when our adversaries in Russia, China, and Iran are testing the true strength of our military alliances, we cannot allow a United Nations smear campaign against the British people and their territories become yet another fissure in the special relationship that Americans and Britons share.”
Kennedy suggested collaboration with U.S. leadership as a solution: “Fortunately, the United Kingdom has time to work with the Trump administration to halt this deal and ensure that the Chagos Archipelago remains a British territory. The Prime Minister can remind the American people why they have so much faith in our British allies by standing strong against the United Nations and protecting our shared national security interests on Diego Garcia.”
Senator Kennedy represents Louisiana in Congress and serves as chair of several Senate committees focused on banking, housing, urban affairs, appropriations, budget matters and energy resources. He maintains offices across Louisiana—including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport—and engages constituents through public events and newsletters according to his official website. His policy efforts include supporting veterans, farmers and small businesses while prioritizing national security issues.
