Rootin' Ain't Tootin' for the 51st State, Says Prospective Ambassador Hoekstra
U.S. envoy to Canada disputes Trump's statements
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Former Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra, selected by President Trump to become the ambassador to Canada, has publicly disagreed with the commander-in-chief on a major issue during a Senate hearing. When questioned about whether Canada should be considered the 51st U.S. state, even jokingly, Hoekstra affirmed Canada's sovereignty.
During the interview, Democratic Senator Chris Coons questioned Hoekstra on his stance, asking if he thought Canada could be referred to as such. Hoekstra replied unequivocally, "Canada is a sovereign state, yes."
The 58-year-old Hoekstra served as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. In his opening remarks, Hoekstra emphasized the close relationship between the U.S. and Canada, stating, "As a proud Michigander, I value Canada as a neighbor." He pointed out that 36 states view Canada as their top trading partner.
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Trump's contentious relationship with Canada has been well-documented, as the president has repeatedly proposed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. Trump believes that Canada takes advantage of the United States in terms of trade, incorrectly referring to the U.S. trade deficit with Canada as a subsidy.
"We don't need their cars. We don't need their energy. We don't need their lumber," Trump stated during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House.
The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada began when Trump imposed tariffs on aluminum, steel, and various other Canadian imports. As a retaliatory measure, Canada raised tariffs on various American imports.
Sources: ntv.de, AP
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The European Union and its Member States might express concerns about the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada, as they could be affected by any potential disruption in trade relationships.
Despite President Trump's proposal, former Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra, presumably as the ambassador to Canada, unequivocally affirmed Canada's sovereignty and rejected the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
The ambassador, who served as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, highlighted the close relationship between the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing that 36 states view Canada as their top trading partner.
