Hoekstra suggests Trump may blame Canada for GOP midterm losses — SkimNews
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- Pete Hoekstra told business leaders that a Democratic win in swing states like Michigan and Maine could prompt Donald Trump to blame Canada, linking domestic US election outcomes to Canadian relations.
- Mark Carney dismissed Hoekstra’s remarks as baseless, stating there is 'no merit' to claims of Canadian election interference and expressing disappointment in the ambassador’s conduct abroad.
- Mélanie Joly denied any Canadian interference in US politics, emphasizing that Canada 'would never do that' and would not tolerate such actions directed at its own democracy.
- Roland Paris criticized Hoekstra’s repeated provocations, calling his comments an 'extraordinary' breach of diplomatic norms and arguing they damage both Canadian relations and US interests.
- US embassy denied Hoekstra claimed Canada would be blamed for Republican losses, asserting his remarks were 'grossly taken out of context' and that Americans decide elections based on domestic issues.
- Over 225,000 Canadians signed a House of Commons petition calling for Hoekstra’s expulsion, citing violations of diplomatic protocols and his history of inflammatory statements toward Canada.
Why it matters: Diplomatic trust between the US and Canada is eroding as Hoekstra’s remarks—amplified by official Canadian rebuttals—turn trade disputes into a political weapon ahead of the midterms, risking retaliation and deepening public hostility in Canada toward US leadership.
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