Allies Consider Scaling Back Intelligence Sharing with U.S. Amid Trump Administration Shifts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some American allies are contemplating a reduction in the intelligence they share with the United States due to changing dynamics under the Trump administration, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. This reevaluation stems from concerns over the safety of foreign intelligence assets and the potential for their identities to be inadvertently disclosed.

The allies, which include members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, are worried that a warming relationship with Russia may jeopardize their trust in U.S. commitments to protect sensitive information. “Those discussions are already happening,” said one insider who requested anonymity.

A Western official pointed out that the Trump administration’s approach has altered long-standing perceptions among allies about relying on the U.S. for intelligence sharing. “There are serious discussions going on about what information can be shared with the United States. The Five Eyes have always worked on the premise that we don’t spy on each other,” the official remarked. “I don’t think that’s reliable anymore.”

No official decisions have been made as of yet, but the review is part of a broader reexamination of diplomatic, trade, military, and intelligence relations among many U.S. allies. As uncertainties grow regarding the U.S. stance on Russia, allies consider the implications of potentially transformative shifts in their collaboration.

In response to inquiries regarding any limitation of intelligence sharing, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes underscored the U.S.’s unparalleled intelligence capabilities, stating that President Trump is “clear-eyed” about U.S. adversaries. “The U.S. has unrivaled intelligence capabilities which is exactly why intelligence sharing initiatives such as the Five Eyes exist,” Hughes said in an email, asserting Trump’s awareness of threats to national security attributed to past administrations.

Former officials have cautioned that as trust diminishes, some spy services may choose to withhold information from the U.S. This sentiment resonates particularly among allies who see the potential for sensitive data to be compromised. Officials in key member countries, including the U.K. and Canada, have publicly minimized the situation, maintaining that their intelligence-sharing partnerships remain strong.

The United Kingdom’s government asserted, “The U.S. is the U.K.’s closest ally, and we will continue to cooperate closely on defense, intelligence and security matters.” Canada also emphasized the resilience of its relationship with the U.S., highlighting long-standing national security cooperation.

However, concerns loom, especially around Trump’s recent actions regarding support to Ukraine against Russian aggression. Former intelligence officers fear that the administration might downshift its intelligence efforts related to Russia, opting instead to prioritize interests in other regions.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., expressed alarm about the implications of a pivot toward Russia. He warned that diminishing cybersecurity operations could yield dire consequences, stating, “Any stand-down or pullback of our operations could be catastrophic.”

The backdrop of these discussions includes ongoing cybersecurity threats from Russia, particularly ransomware attacks that have surged in recent years. Experts have called for any engagement with Russia to consider economic ramifications stemming from cybercriminal activities.

Historical attempts to reset relations with Russia have failed, as past administrations struggled to forge effective cooperation. A former CIA officer remarked, “Good intentions from the U.S. side have proved time and again to have been futile in improving relations.”

As U.S. allies deliberate the future of their intelligence-sharing strategies, the ramifications could redefine the landscape of international cooperation and security.