British intelligence service MI6 has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing Donald Trump's second White House administration as a blend of the Salem Witch Trials and the court of Henry VIII, according to a classified assessment obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
MI6 characterized the administration as embodying "The Crucible meets Wolf Hall," referencing Arthur Miller's play about the Salem Witch trials and Hilary Mantel's novel about a courtier in King Henry VIII's court. The assessment further advised UK staff to refrain from discussing Trump with their counterparts in the CIA.
Another unnamed European intelligence agency reportedly critiqued the unpredictability of U.S. policy under Trump's second term, stating, "You are not dealing with an administration that has processes, you are dealing with a single volatile individual."
These assessments emerge as all 32 NATO member states gather for a summit in Ankara, Turkey, a meeting that is expected to test the transatlantic alliance. Trump has been a vocal critic of NATO, frequently disparaging member states for not increasing defense spending and even threatening to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance.
Canada, under the new leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, has reportedly played a role in encouraging Western nations to re-evaluate their alliances with the United States. European countries have also been working to reduce their reliance on American goods, services, and military protection, partly in response to Trump's previous actions, such as his remarks on Greenland which alarmed European leaders and suggested potential tariffs or military action.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has continued efforts to maintain U.S. involvement in European security, though MI6 has reportedly cautioned that his strategy of flattery towards Trump is facing diminishing returns.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the MI6 assessment.