Ex-CIA Analyst David McCloskey Warns US-UK Intelligence Tensions Grow

Framing it as a special relationship makes it seem like the two countries should agree on almost everything at all times, everywhere – and that is too much pressure to put on a bilateral relationship between two independent nations, David McCloskey said, according to reporting published by The Guardian on Oct. 11, 2026. The historic emotional, cultural, and political bond connecting the United States and Britain faces severe strain under Donald Trump, whose America First agenda has upended traditional alliances.

Strains Across Intelligence Sharing And Global Policy

The deep intelligence-sharing partnership that underpins the Anglo-American alliance is encountering growing friction, as explored in David McCloskey’s new spy novel, London Station. McCloskey, a former Central Intelligence Agency analyst, noted that the cultural affinity sustaining the relationship since World War II is thinning out. Recent events have amplified these worries, including the Trump administration openly considering abandoning support for Britain in its dispute with Argentina over the Falklands Islands and expressing approval for the idea of a united Ireland. Tensions also spiked after the US hurriedly withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain following intelligence reports that the aircraft could be targeted in an Iranian drone attack.

British intelligence officers have grown increasingly hesitant to share sensitive information regarding Russia, fearing that Donald Trump could pass details to foreign officials or compromise sensitive sources. McCloskey pointed out that British operatives remember when Trump reportedly shared Israeli intelligence with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his first presidency. While McCloskey could not confirm whether intelligence has actually been withheld, he verified that British personnel feel deep resentment at being treated as the junior partner in global operations. Many MI6 insiders interviewed for his research expressed frustration that US operatives frequently outmuscle British counterparts in third countries due to vastly superior resources and heft.

Diverging Interests Beyond The Trump Administration

Despite the friction, the intelligence alliance is far from doomed. CIA personnel interviewed by McCloskey widely acknowledged that British intelligence brings substantial value to international operations, and the Five Eyes signals intelligence agreement between the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand remains fully intact. McCloskey emphasized that the structural shifts weakening the alliance are not temporary anomalies tied solely to a single presidency. Without an overarching geopolitical rival like the Cold War enemy to unify them, both nations are naturally pursuing divergent foreign policy interests. Consequently, intelligence exchanges between the two nations may gradually downshift, leaving a partnership that remains friendly and close, but distinctively less special.

It’s a cliche, but true, that nations don’t have permanent relationships – just interests.

David McCloskey