U.S. Ambassador Shrugs Off 51st State Talk, Urges Canada to ‘Move On’ and Focus on Trade

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has dismissed any lingering speculation over President Donald Trump’s past remarks suggesting Canada was becoming the “51st state,” urging Canadians to focus instead on strengthening bilateral trade ties.

In an interview with CBC’s The House, Hoekstra acknowledged the symbolism behind King Charles III’s upcoming visit to Ottawa to deliver the speech from the throne, the third time a monarch will do so in Canadian history, but said if the trip is intended as a message to Washington, there are more direct ways to communicate.

“We’re thrilled the King will be here,” Hoekstra said. “But if there’s a message in there, just call me. Mark Carney can call the president directly.”

The ambassador insisted the annexation rhetoric was in the past. “Move on. Canadians can keep talking about it, but Trump’s not. I’m not. We’re focused on America’s prosperity, safety, and security.”

King Charles will deliver the throne speech on Tuesday morning, outlining the Canadian government’s legislative agenda. Hoekstra emphasized that the U.S. will be paying attention to the content of the speech, as it reflects the priorities of Canada’s ruling party.

The ambassador also noted that any meaningful conversation about U.S.-Canada political integration “would happen at the Carney-Trump level, not mine,” implying that such dialogue is off the table.

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On the economic front, Hoekstra confirmed that trade talks between the two countries are ongoing, though he couldn’t speak to their intensity. Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with Trump in the Oval Office earlier this month, the president reportedly asked Canada to submit a proposal regarding the removal of U.S. tariffs — a key demand from Ottawa.

“We believe the ball is in Canada’s court,” Hoekstra said. “Other countries have already put forward their ideas. The U.S. wants to move quickly. There’s no appetite for prolonged negotiations.”

Carney, speaking in French earlier this week, called the U.S. an “economic threat”,  a statement Hoekstra countered. “The U.S. is not a threat. It’s a huge economic opportunity. Canada is our second-largest trading partner.”

Ultimately, Hoekstra said Trump’s administration will continue prioritizing American interests in every negotiation. “We expect others to do the same. That’s how you get the best deals.”