FBI Director Kash Patel Suspends Cooperation with RCMP Over CBC 9/11 Language Policy

Key points

• FBI Director Kash Patel ordered a temporary halt to some cooperation with the RCMP in September 2026.
• The decision was triggered by the CBC reminding staff of a longstanding policy requiring attribution before calling the Sept. 11 attacks 'terrorism.'
• The suspension was short-lived and specific to the FBI; other US intelligence agencies continued sharing information with Canada.
• Not all cooperation between the FBI and RCMP was stopped, but the move risked disrupting joint operations on terrorism and cybersecurity.
• The incident occurred as President Trump intensified public attacks on Canada, according to The New York Times.

Background

This development follows a series of US-Canada tensions in 2026. In September, the US Justice Department reportedly paused antitrust cooperation with Canada amid a trade dispute, as noted in our archive. Earlier in August, a safety debate arose after a child refused to buckle a seatbelt on a Canadian flight. In late September, Prime Minister Mark Carney focused on concrete Canada-EU cooperation, including defense and AI, while avoiding full endorsement of EU associate status.

Why it matters

The incident highlights how domestic media policies can trigger international law enforcement friction. It underscores the fragility of US-Canada security cooperation under the current administration and the potential for diplomatic spillover from non-security issues like trade and media standards.

What to watch

Officials indicate the suspension was short-lived, suggesting cooperation may resume. However, the episode could strain the long-standing partnership between the FBI and RCMP, particularly if further trade or political tensions escalate.