In what NBC News described Sunday morning as a “rushed withdrawal,” the Trump administration appears to have ended a U.S.-British military partnership that dates back to 1950 after authorities foiled a suspected terror plot.
Last month, local residents near Royal Air Force Fairford — a British air base used by the United States for more than 75 years — were evacuated after a “major incident” initially believed to involve explosives was declared by local law enforcement. Five men were arrested in connection with the incident and remain under investigation.
On Sunday, the Trump administration confirmed that “all U.S. bombers” deployed to RAF Fairford “have been re-deployed to their home stations in the United States” in what NBC News called a “hasty” process, a development that left countless journalists in shock.
“B1, B2 and B52 bombers will now operate from the USA while airmen and their families have returned home to America,” wrote British journalist Ben Leo in a social media post on X.
“The United States has basically said ‘enough’ in a damning indictment of its military alliance with Britain. This is big.”
In a follow-up post, Leo added, “What’s interesting (and damning) about this is the Americans likely feel the UK can’t guarantee the safety of its aircraft and personnel at a MILITARY BASE.”
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump who’s suggested dogs were superior to Muslims, suggested the U.S. withdrawal was due to Britain’s Muslim population, despite Muslims making up around 6% of England and Wales’ population. Fine has frequently referred to Muslim migration as an “invasion.”
“Britain has fallen. The United Islamic Kingdom is no longer a reliable ally of the United States,” Fine wrote in a social media post on X.
BREAKING: US Air Force bails from RAF Fairford following security concerns at the British base B1, B2 and B52 bombers will now operate from the USA while airmen and their families have returned home to America The United States has basically said “enough” in a damning indictment of its military alliance with Britain This is big.
— Ben Leo (@Benleo) October 4, 2026