President Donald Trump’s nominee for the U.S. ambassador to Canada, former Representative Pete Hoekstra, made a clear statement during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, emphasizing Canada’s status as an independent and sovereign nation. This comment came in response to a question from Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, regarding Trump’s earlier suggestion that Canada might be better suited as the newest state of the United States.
Hoekstra was asked whether he agreed that Canada is indeed a sovereign state and should not be taken lightly as the so-called “51st state.” His response was straightforward, affirming, “Canada is a sovereign state, yes.” This discussion took place shortly before President Trump reaffirmed his critical stance on Canada in a White House meeting with the leader of NATO.
President Trump has persistently claimed that Canada exploits the United States, consistently portraying the U.S. trade deficit with Canada—an exporter of essential resources like oil—as a form of subsidy. “We don’t need their cars. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need their lumber,” Trump remarked. “As a state, it would be one of the great states.”
Trump’s comments have caused frustration in Canada, especially as he has repeatedly suggested that their nation should become the 51st U.S. state. This tension has been exacerbated by a trade conflict initiated by Trump, who imposed tariffs on Canadian goods such as aluminum and steel. In retaliation, Canada has responded by raising tariffs on various U.S. imports.
Hoekstra, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term, is a former congressman from Michigan. In his opening remarks at the hearing, he expressed a personal connection to Canada, saying, “I do have a special appreciation for Canada as a neighbor,” owing to his Michigan roots. Additionally, he highlighted that Canada is recognized as the primary trading partner for 36 U.S. states and noted his frequent engagement with Canada on trade and other matters during his tenure in Congress.
