What is Five Eyes intelligence group and why is Trump’s aide advocating for Canada’s removal?

US President Donald Trump and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

A top advisor to US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro, is reportedly pushing for Canada’s removal from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network. The move comes as Trump increases pressure on Canada, a country he has often suggested could become the 51st US state, according to a report by The Financial Times.

All about the Five Eyes alliance

The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collaborating to share a wide range of intelligence in one of the world’s most unified security partnerships.

The alliance dates back to the Second World War wherein partner countries engage in extensive collaboration, exchanging classified information to strengthen security and global intelligence operations.

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance also drew attention amid the India-Canada dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Canada accused India of "possible" involvement, intensifying diplomatic tensions.

US Ambassador David Cohen later acknowledged that intelligence exchanged among Five Eyes partners contributed to Canada’s claims.

Here’s why the White House official wants Canada out of Five Eyes group

Navarro, a key member of Trump’s inner circle, is advocating for Canada’s expulsion from the Five Eyes alliance, arguing that heightened pressure on Ottawa could advance US interests, according to the FT report.

While it is unclear if Trump has embraced the proposal, the topic is under discussion among his officials.

This coincides with Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports when the temporary reprieve expires on March 4. Shortly after assuming office, Trump announced tariffs of up to 25 per cent on imports from Canada and Mexico, justifying the move by linking it to illegal immigration and the spread of fentanyl.

In a last-minute decision, he put the tariffs on hold for a month while discussions remained underway.

Recently, he said that the tariffs scheduled to hit Canada and Mexico next month were “on time” and “moving along very rapidly” following an initial delay.

Canada’s likely removal a cause of worry?

The suggestion to expel Canada from the alliance has unsettled intelligence officials, with many warning that such a move could have far-reaching consequences.

Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official who was the top editor of the US president’s daily intelligence briefing, said the Five Eyes was “by far the most successful intelligence-sharing arrangement in world history”.

For decades, the Five Eyes has stood as the world’s most powerful intelligence-sharing alliance, facilitating the exchange of highly sensitive signals and human intelligence among the US and its allies.

This deep collaboration extends to joint operations, with Pine Gap—a CIA-led satellite station in central Australia—serving as a vital asset for monitoring China’s activities.

The Financial Times report quoted Steve Bannon, former White House strategist who helped Trump win in 2016, as saying, “Canada punches way above their weight. If you look at military history, they’ve been the best ally we’ve had.”