Key facts
- US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggested Canada could be blamed for poor Republican midterm election results.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the suggestion "interesting" and denied Canadian interference in US politics.
- Hoekstra previously called threats to annex Canada a "sign of affection" and questioned Canadian offense.
- The US embassy stated Hoekstra's remarks were "grossly taken out of context" and that Americans decide elections.
- Former US President Barack Obama mocked Trump's fixation on Canada.
US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggested that Canada could be blamed if Republicans perform poorly in the upcoming midterm elections, according to a report by CTV News. Hoekstra reportedly told business leaders that if swing races go to Democrats, it could make things harder for Canada as President Donald Trump might try to blame the country for the losses. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the suggestion as "interesting" and denied any Canadian interference in US politics. Hoekstra has been a controversial figure, previously downplaying Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st US state and accusing Canadian officials of interfering in US elections. The US embassy denied the ambassador said Canada would face blame, stating his remarks were "grossly taken out of context."