Last Updated:
The development comes amid Trump targeting Canada with tariffs and teasing that he would want to annex the neighbouring country.
US President Donald Trump meets with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
Peter Navarro, one of US President Donald Trump’s closest advisers, proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, UK-based news outlet Financial Times said in a report.
Trump has threatened Canada with tariffs and also said that he will turn the nation into the US’ 51st state.
The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The coalition is considered one of the world’s most extensive intelligence networks.
The report said Navarro, who has direct access to the Oval Office due to his close ties with Trump, is pushing for the US to pressure Canada by removing it from the Five Eyes alliance.
It remains unclear whether Trump supports the proposal, but the idea is being discussed among his officials.
Trudeau, set to step down on March 9, was recently caught on an open mic saying Trump’s plan to annex the US’s northern neighbour is a “real thing”.
Steve Bannon, former White House strategist who played a key role in Trump’s 2016 victory, said Canada must understand that Trump is serious about annexation, not merely provoking Trudeau, according to the report.
He argued that Canada lacks the resources to defend itself, especially as China expands its presence in the Arctic. However, he warned that removing Canada from the Five Eyes alliance would be counterproductive and would ultimately harm the US.
“Canada punches way above their weight. If you look at military history, they’ve been the best ally we’ve had,” Bannon was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
