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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The White House is reportedly looking at a plan that would allow the U. S. to purchase the Chagos Islands after President Donald Trump’s hopes of acquiring Greenland fell through. The president has often hinted at taking control over several nations and territories, including Canada and Venezuela, which he has suggested could become 51st states. He’s also made similar claims about Panama and Cuba, while U. S. naval forces have been building up in the Caribbean and targeting small boats they say are involved in drug trafficking. His new plan comes after delays in U. K. laws that would finalize Britain’s handover of these islands to Mauritius following a withdrawal of U. S. backing in January. At that time, Trump labeled the treaty arranging this transfer “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.” The Telegraph reports that buying this territory outright is one option being considered as Trump decides what steps to take regarding the Chagos Islands, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. Since returning to office, Trump’s foreign policy has shifted sharply towards acquiring territory, with ongoing discussions between U. S. officials and Cuba over various issues including a long-standing trade embargo against Cuba. Donald Trump is reportedly considering a plan that would see the U. S. take full control of the Chagos Islands (Getty) Multiple sources close to this situation told The Telegraph that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent brought this idea directly to Trump; however, it wasn’t seen as his main choice at present. The White House did not respond when contacted by The Independent regarding The Telegraph’s report. Nonetheless, a U. S. official mentioned that Trump’s administration believes it would be unwise for Britain to “give away the British Indian Ocean Territory.” “Diego Garcia’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a vital and indispensable military installation of significant importance to national security,” said this individual. “We remain in regular discussions with our British allies as we work together to preserve Diego Garcia as a regional security platform,” they added.
Vice President JD Vance visited the U. S. base in Greenland in March, during which he discussed beefing up the territory’s security (Getty)
This consideration comes after a military operation aimed at capturing former leader Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela last January; additionally, Trump has openly threatened expanding these operations into other nations opposing U. S interests.
After Maduro was taken into custody, Trump introduced what he referred to as his “Donroe” Doctrine – twisting historical principles from Monroe’s era meant for counteracting European influence while pushing forward American territorial ambitions throughout Central and South America.
The conflict with Iran was also expectedly headed down this same road but has extended well beyond Trump’s initial timeline predictions without reaching any conclusive agreements yet concerning reopening key shipping routes like Hormuz Strait or ending hostilities completely.
Last year saw Trump actively pursuing interest around acquiring Greenland from Denmark; even sending Vice President JD Vance northward aiming for local support around claims linked heavily back towards necessary military requirements – though such justifications seem less urgent now than before.
An aerial view of Chagos Islands including Diego Garcia base (U. S. Navy)
Similarities abound between Greenland’s value versus that found within Chagos Islands given underlying military bases established there already serving strategic needs alike.This area has been under British control since 1814 where joint operations occur alongside American personnel stationed chiefly at Diego Garcia – something Prime Minister Starmer suggests will continue if carried forward into future arrangements among both countries involved here moving ahead together still maintaining shared responsibilities overseeing respective affairs over time spent managing them collectively going forward forevermore!.......
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