Trump's approaches to Russia have made allies reassess their trust in the USA.
Recently, it was reported that members of the so-called Five Eyes alliance – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – are considering not sharing as much intelligence with the USA, due to fear of leaks and that secret agents will be revealed.
The reports are officially denied.
However, intelligence experts have also been worried about the decision to temporarily pause intelligence sharing with war-torn Ukraine, as well as the appointment of the new intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, who has been criticized for being pro-Russian.
"Testing everything"
From a Swedish perspective, it is emphasized that cooperation with the USA remains firm.
There is no fundamental difference, we continue the work (regarding intelligence) bilaterally and within NATO. We stand by that until something else is proven, says Thomas Nilsson, head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (Must).
When asked if Sweden dares to share sensitive intelligence information with the USA, Nilsson responds:
We test all information we want to share with international partners, regardless of whether it's individual countries, the EU, or NATO. It doesn't follow from this, but we do it in all situations. It's a test we always do and will continue to do.
Must has not noticed any changes or a reduced inflow when it comes to what the USA's intelligence services share.
We haven't noticed anything. Much of the daily work within NATO continues, and we haven't seen these changes in that work, says Thomas Nilsson.
"Great impact"
If the USA were to withdraw and stop sharing intelligence information with more countries, it could have major consequences, according to Must.
I wouldn't call it a concern, but if the USA were to disappear, it would naturally have a very great impact. The USA possesses great resources in this area, such as satellite capacity. There are others, but it would have a significant negative impact.
