Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, has stated that American officials are “carefully monitoring” Canadian politicians for any indications of election interference in the lead-up to the crucial midterms next month.
In a discussion on The Really Big Show podcast released last week, Hoekstra remarked that political advertisements from Ontario last year might be seen as a form of interference.
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada were halted by President Donald Trump in October 2025 after Ontario aired a commercial during the World Series featuring clips of former President Ronald Reagan denouncing tariffs and advocating for free trade.
Despite this, Trump has not refrained from commenting on Canadian issues and the actions of the Canadian government: He has consistently criticized Canada and issued threats regarding its sovereignty. Just this past Wednesday, he reiterated his belief that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
“They’ll end up being the 51st state because that’s the only way it works,” Trump stated during a rally in Bullhead City, Arizona.
At the same event, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Canadian tariffs on milk and mentioned his initiative to rename Lake Ontario on the U.S. side of the border to reflect American ownership.
Hoekstra criticizes Joly and Trudeau
Hoekstra also referenced recent statements made by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting that their comments could also be considered interference.
He cautioned Canadian legislators to keep their “nose out” of American politics in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections.
During a talk at Brown University on September 22, Trudeau criticized the Trump administration.
“There’s a consistent pattern of actions that are increasing costs for your consumers and not necessarily improving anything for America, by clashing with one of your oldest and closest allies,” Trudeau remarked during the discussion.
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Hoekstra pointed out that Joly mentioned targeting retaliatory tariffs at “politically sensitive states.”
In response, Joly asserted on Wednesday that Canada would never partake in election interference and would “never accept such actions against us in Canada.”
Joly noted that she has traveled to the U.S. recently and has met with both Democrats and Republicans.
When asked about Ambassador Hoekstra’s comments regarding potential Canadian interference in the U.S. midterm elections, Minister Joly emphasized, ‘we never do that and we never accept that also being done to us in Canada.’ She added that her recent U.S. visits were aimed at attracting investments from American businesses, a strategy she plans to continue.
“Essentially, my efforts in the U.S. have been focused on attracting investments,” she explained. “I believe I will have positive news regarding investments from various American companies coming to Canada. This is precisely my goal, and I will maintain this approach in the U.S. and globally.”
Hoekstra mentioned that if any actions by Canadians constitute election interference, the U.S. will take action.
“We are keeping an eye on it, assessing the situation, and if any of it crosses into election interference, then the U.S. will respond accordingly,” Hoekstra stated.
The president has been actively campaigning in key states as the November 3rd midterm elections approach.
All seats in the House of Representatives and one-third of U.S. Senate positions will be up for grabs. Currently, Republicans hold a majority in both chambers, but polls indicate a potential shift in control to the Democrats.
Recent reports from The Globe and Mail suggest that Republican operatives were present in Alberta earlier this year to support the separatist movement. CBC News previously revealed that Alberta separatists participated in discussions at U.S. State Department offices in Washington, D.C. last year.
In August, Prime Minister Mark Carney instructed the Canadian negotiation team to terminate renewed trade discussions with the U.S., alleging that American demands were unreasonable.
The trade conflict between Canada and the U.S. is solidifying as a significant issue for voters in key states ahead of the midterm elections.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre visited Detroit on Tuesday to advocate for tariff-free trade in the automotive industry.
“Our relationship spans 200 years. There will always be grievances from both sides of the border,” he stated on CNN.
“We have our own grievances with the United States that predate this latest trade dispute, but I would prefer to concentrate on our collaborative potential.”
Hoekstra’s remarks follow threats from one of Trump’s trade advisors regarding consequences for Canada if it “interferes” in the forthcoming midterms.
Peter Navarro dismissed Canada’s stance on trade negotiations during an economic conference in Washington last month, insisting Canadian lobbyists should “get the hell out of our country.”
“The issue you face is that you lobby here and have had success in the past, and you believe you can continue to do so,” Navarro commented on Canada’s approach.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro issued a warning to Canada against ‘interfering’ with U.S. midterm elections in border states like Maine and Michigan, suggesting that Canada would ‘pay even more dearly’ for such actions.
“A message to Canada: You cannot do that. That strategy is over and if you interfere in our elections in Maine or Michigan, you will face severe consequences.”
The trade conflict has emerged as a significant issue for Republican candidates contesting Senate seats in the two border states mentioned by Navarro.
Just last week, the Republican contender for the vacant Senate seat in Michigan released a new 30-second advertisement criticizing tariffs.
“Here in Michigan, we recognize that Canada is not our adversary. We need to put an end to this tariff conflict immediately,” Mike Rogers states in the ad.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has served Maine since 1997, has also sought to distance herself from Trump’s tariffs.