The US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Canada asserted during questioning that Canada is an independent nation, diverging from President Trump’s stance. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should join the United States.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, former Representative Pete Hoekstra responded to Senator Chris Coons’ query by affirming Canada’s sovereignty. “Canada is a sovereign state, yes,” Hoekstra said, when questioned.
This occurred shortly before Trump reiterated his critical stance towards Canada whilst meeting with NATO’s leader in the Oval Office.
He further emphaised on past relations of the two nations while praising Trump despite taking an opposite stance on ‘sovereignty’. The nominee claimed that said that the two countries “have a great history of working together and that Trump’s focus on “freer, fairer trade” would enhance commercial ties with Canada and “grow the business relationship” between the two countries.
Hoekstra, who previously represented Michigan in Congress, served as the US ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s initial term. In his introductory remarks, Hoekstra highlighted his appreciation for Canada as a neighbour, citing his Michigan background. He noted that Canada ranks as the primary trading partner for 36 American states and referenced his extensive engagement with Canada on trade and other matters during his congressional tenure.
Meanwhile, Trump maintains his position that Canada exploits the United States. He incorrectly characterises the US-Canada trade deficit as a form of subsidy, despite Canada being a significant supplier of vital resources, including oil, to the United States.
“We don’t need their cars. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need their lumber,” Trump said. “As a state it would be one of the great states.”
US-Canada relations
Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state have caused tension with Canadians. Relations have further deteriorated due to Trump’s implementation of tariffs on Canadian aluminium, steel and other products, prompting Canada to respond with increased duties on various American goods.
In response, incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced earlier this week that his government will keep tariffs in place until the United States demonstrates respect and makes firm commitments to free trade.
As this trade war goes on between the two nations, Trump announced Thursday that, as a concession, he would allow Canada to keep their national anthem — as a US state. ” As a state, it would be one of the great states. This would be the most incredible country visually. If you look at the map, they do an artificial line right through it between Canada and the US. A straight artificial line. Somebody did it a long time ago. And it makes no sense. It’s so perfect as a great and cherished state,” Trump said.
