‘Put down the bong’: Senator smokes UK prime minister on Senate floor

A Fiery Exchange: Sen. John Kennedy Criticizes U.K. Prime Minister Over Chagos Islands

In a fiery speech on the Senate floor, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) lambasted U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a controversial plan to relinquish control of a strategic military base in the Indian Ocean. Kennedy’s remarks were laced with blunt criticism, urging the British leader to "put down the bong" and reconsider the move, which he deemed "bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid." The senator’s colorful language and strong stance reflected growing concerns in both the U.S. and the U.K. about the implications of ceding control of the Chagos Islands, a British overseas territory that hosts a critical U.S.-U.K. joint naval base at Diego Garcia.

The Chagos Islands: A Strategic Flashpoint

At the heart of the controversy is the Chagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean. For decades, the islands have been a British territory, and Diego Garcia has served as a vital military outpost for both the U.S. and the U.K., playing a key role in regional security and global military operations. However, the islands’ sovereignty has long been disputed. In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the U.K. had no legal claim to the Chagos Islands, asserting that they rightfully belong to Mauritius, a former British colony. This ruling, backed by the United Nations, has pressured the U.K. to reassess its stance.

A Deal with Mauritius and the Backlash

In response to the international court’s decision, the U.K. announced in October that it had reached an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. While the deal ensures that the Diego Garcia naval base will remain under joint U.S.-U.K. control for the next 99 years, the handover of the islands has sparked fierce opposition in both nations. Critics argue that relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining Western influence in a region increasingly dominated by China. Sen. Kennedy was among the vocal critics, warning that the move could ultimately benefit Beijing, which has been expanding its military and economic presence in the Indian Ocean.

Kennedy’s Blunt Warning: “Put Down the Bong”

Kennedy’s remarks were unusually direct, even by the standards of partisan politics. The Louisiana senator, who has a reputation for colorful rhetoric, accused the U.N. of trying to guilt-trip the U.K. into giving up the islands and warned that the move would harm both British and American interests. "The United Kingdom is our friend," Kennedy said. "I love them, and I want to see the prime minister do well, but he needs to put down the bong. This makes absolutely no sense, and it’s going to be a big part of his legacy if he gives away this island and our military base to, in effect, what will eventually be China."

A Call to Reconsider

Despite his blunt language, Kennedy later softened his tone, acknowledging that his "bong" comment had been inappropriate. "I shouldn’t have said the bong part, I take it back," he said, urging Starmer to reconsider the plan. He also expressed hope that the U.S. would stand with the U.K. in resisting international pressure, quipping that the U.N. could "go fill out a hurt feelings report because we’re not doing it." Kennedy’s remarks were not just a critique of Starmer but also a call to action, urging the prime minister to prioritize strategic interests over diplomatic pressure.

Reactions and Ramifications

The U.K. prime minister’s office declined to comment on Kennedy’s remarks, but the senator’s criticism reflects broader concerns about the potential consequences of relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands. While the U.K. government has framed the deal with Mauritius as a necessary step to address historical injustices, critics fear that it could weaken Western influence in a strategically vital region. The debate over the Chagos Islands highlights the delicate balance between honoring international law, addressing colonial legacies, and maintaining geopolitical stability in an increasingly competitive world.

In conclusion, Sen. John Kennedy’s fiery intervention in the debate over the Chagos Islands underscores the high stakes involved in the U.K.’s decision to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius. While the deal ensures short-term stability for the Diego Garcia naval base, long-term concerns about Chinese expansion and the erosion of Western influence loom large. As the U.K. navigates this complex issue, Kennedy’s blunt warning serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny and strategic implications surrounding this tiny but critical archipelago.