Heightened tensions between the United States and Canada have recently culminated in discussions among President Donald Trump’s inner circle about potentially expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network. This proposal, driven by top White House adviser Peter Navarro, emerges amid Trump’s repeated threats to turn Canada, which he has referred to as the 51st state, under greater US control.
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, Navarro is pushing for Canada’s removal from the Five Eyes alliance—composed of the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand—arguing it could serve as leverage to increase pressure on the Canadian government. This discussion follows Trump’s indications of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports after March 4, following a temporary exemption, which marks another step heightening tensions.
The notion of annexation and increased control over Canada has reportedly become so concerning to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is poised to leave office on March 9, he was overheard acknowledging the gravity of Trump’s intentions. “It’s a real thing,” Trudeau is quoted as saying, encapsulating the anxiety felt within Canadian political circles about Trump’s ambitions.
Navarro, who has continually been close to Trump and has direct access to the Oval Office, asserted, “We would never ever jeopardise our national security with allies like Canada.” Despite his denials, critics are wary of the administration’s intentions and the potential consequences on national security.
Opponents of this proposal have voiced their concerns. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official, cautioned against disrupting the Five Eyes alliance, remarking, “Any disruption in these decade-old understandings would be met with cheers from our adversaries in Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang.” Wilder emphasized the alliance’s historic significance, tracing its roots back to World War II when American and British codebreakers collaborated to infiltrate German communications.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Canada punches way above their weight,” and reinforcing the idea of Canada’s historical role as one of the United States' most steadfast allies. He warned against the potential ramifications of expelling Canada from the alliance, asserting it could be detrimental to US interests.”
Despite Canada and New Zealand contributing less intelligence within the Five Eyes framework compared to their counterparts, the alliance remains fundamentally about trust and collaboration, especially as global threats evolve. An intelligence official within the Five Eyes expressed the need for all partners, declaring, “We need all the partners we can get.”
The Five Eyes alliance, considered one of the world’s most extensive and secretive intelligence partnerships, facilitates the sharing of surveillance data, cybersecurity measures, and counterterrorism efforts among its members. The collective intelligence work has proven effective against various global threats, reinforcing the necessity of these collaborative dynamics.
Trump’s trade agendas and tensions with Canada arise from claims accusing Canada of not sufficiently managing migrant and drug issues affecting the US. These allegations have sparked controversy, particularly with the planned tariffs, which have left Trudeau and his administration scrambling for strategies amid an increasingly precarious international environment.
While it remains unclear whether Trump personally endorses Navarro’s proposal to expel Canada from the Five Eyes, the idea is having serious conversations among his advisors. This speculation about Canada’s involvement has drawn criticism, as many experts argue the potential removal would invite unnecessary backlash from other allies and intelligence officials, thereby threatening US security interests.
Canada’s position on the matter is currently ambiguous, with Trudeau’s office refraining from commenting extensively on the surging tensions. Observers of this diplomatic storm are left wondering how the next Canadian government will navigate these challenges amid rising pressures from the south.
This developing narrative around Canada’s potential expulsion from the Five Eyes signals the shifting tides of US-Canada relations, presenting immediate ramifications beyond mere diplomatic formalities. Whether this escalatory proposition will gather momentum or is merely posturing remains to be seen, but it has certainly captured attention and prompted reflection on the future of alliances as both countries venture through this uncertain chapter.