This is the first of two posts examining U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra’s views on Canadian affairs. Read more and watch the full interview with the ambassador: Trump administration not meeting or strategizing with Alberta separatists: Hoekstra
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is denying that donations from the family that owns the Ambassador Bridge are behind the delayed opening of the new Gordie Howe Bridge.
“Absolutely not,” Hoekstra said when asked by Global News whether the delay was tied to a US$1-million donation from billionaire Matthew Moroun — whose family owns the competing Ambassador Bridge — to Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., in January.
“The bridge was not open when it was announced a couple of weeks ago by mutual agreement of the Canadian government and the U.S. government,” he said. “It has nothing to do with the Morouns.”
A planned ribbon-cutting event last month was cancelled at the request of the Americans, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said there were “technical aspects” that were being worked through between Canada and the U.S.
The New York Times reported that Matthew Moroun met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hours before Trump posted in February that he could block the bridge’s opening unless the U.S. was “compensated.”
Campaign finance records reviewed by Global News show members of the Moroun family also made 15 separate donations worth more than US$35,000 to Hoekstra during his final year in Congress, donations that Hoekstra said had no bearing on negotiations.
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“The Morouns operate a significant business in the United States, and in the United States, companies involved in those kinds of businesses donate to all kinds of campaigns,” Hoekstra said. “I know that they donate to Republicans and Democrats.”
A White House official told Global News last month that Trump’s position on the bridge “has not changed,” despite outreach from Canadian government officials, including Carney.
The new Detroit-Windsor crossing remains closed despite the fact Canada has paid for the entire cost of the bridge and will share ownership with Michigan. Hoekstra believes that isn’t good enough.
“Americans are contributing significantly more than half of the revenue that will pay back however Canada financed this,” he said, adding it’s being “paid for from revenue coming from the Ambassador Bridge, which is 100 per cent an American-owned company.”
Despite his complaints, Hoekstra remains upbeat about the bridge’s future. “We can reach an agreement on this bridge that is not tied into the larger CUSMA negotiations,” he said. “I’m optimistic we open the bridge relatively soon.”
- Trump administration not meeting or strategizing with Alberta separatists: Hoekstra
- General Motors says renewal of CUSMA ‘very important’ for auto industry
- LeBlanc says Canada seeking clarity after U.S. opts for annual CUSMA review
- Carney to travel to Turkey, where NATO allies will focus on managing Trump
No guarantee CUSMA exemptions will remain
Hoekstra’s optimism fades when it comes to the ongoing trade negotiations and the renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“There’s maybe been some progress, but not the significant amount of progress that says, ‘OK, we know exactly where we’re going, now let’s fill out the details,'” Hoekstra said.
Canada has yet to hold formal negotiations with the U.S., which has already had multiple sit-downs with its Mexican counterparts.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has routinely pointed to Canada having the best deal with the U.S. due to tariff exemptions on free trade products — something the ambassador would not guarantee will continue.
“I’m not in a position to guarantee anything. These decisions are made at the White House. They are made by the president,” Hoekstra said.
His comments come just days after the Trump administration declined to extend the trilateral pact with Canada and Mexico for a new 16-year term, citing what the U.S. calls “shortcomings” and “trade deficits.” Mexico and Canada both publicly pushed for a renewal.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested last month that the U.S. is “better without” CUSMA, and that he’d even prefer to see it “terminated.”
When asked by Global News, Hoekstra would not say if the administration is considering ripping up the deal, which can be done by any party with six months’ formal notice.
– With files from Sergio Vargas, Global News
I really like Pete Hoekstra. He speaks directly to Canadians as Careny never tells the truth. Pete doing an excellent job.
@Paul Emerson – what a great idea! We’ll stay in Canada and enjoy a peaceful, safe country and you stay where you are and please don’t come visit us.
Why on earth do you keep giving this disgusting creature, US ambassador Hoekstra any air time. He is a total liar, an obnoxious, ignorant and arrogant creature who should be investigated for his role, however, distant of the heist of Alberta’s voter’s list. Furthermore, why isn’t that second petition being completely checked for fraud after the theft of Alberta’s voters list. Why isn’t Global News doing its job. It is pathetic how much time you give to people like POOP (Pierre Obnoxious Opposition Pollieve) who have nothing but lies and slogans. It is time to Flush the POOP!
By that reasoning, when is the U.S. paying France back for the Statue of Liberty?
Like his boss, lies come to him as naturally as breathing. Hoekstra is reptilian.
He’s Lying!!!
Please return to your own country you are a menace in ours.
USA will open it side of the border when ready to do so. USA is a sovereign country as is Canada. Neither Careny or Canadians have a say. Enough crying about it and stay Elbows Up.
Why do you waste print space reporting on this guy and the government he represents? The constant reporting is just food for their corruption.
And who believes Ambassador Pete Hoekstra? Just another Trump lackey! And we know Trump was bribed to stall the bridge opening.
‘Member when Biden culled 100 million hens on the way out the door and the fugazi news blamed Trump for the price of eggs?
‘Member how now it is less than $4 for a 30 pack?
Oooh I ‘member.
You Americans on here can keep your opinions to yourself. Our Canadian tax dollars paid for that bridge and it doesn’t have a damn thing to do with you.
This is insane that bridge needs to open now and to hell with the US.
Pete the putz is a a sack of digestive remains.
@Yank’s his doodle:
You and trump are the ones wanting Canada to join.
The answer was phuck off.
@ Scars and gripes:
Horzezhit.
Everyone on Detroit’s side of the river sides with Canada.
Including the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press.
Read their editorials if you can read.
He’s a liar of course.
Michigan politicians and both Detroit papers have said this.
Kick him out.
It is obvious that Trump and the USA live rent free in Canadians heads
Lol. It’s hilarious there are SO MANY MORE Yankees crying in these comments – about Canadians crying in the comments, and about things you are all crying about that you i guess WANT Canadians to be upset about?
It’s always projection with the damned Yanks. 😂
Truly Hoekstra should be politely told that he’s “persona non grata” and sent home. We need and deserve a true diplomat with appropriate skills and decorum, not a Trump lackey.
Why are Canadians so self-righteous and pious. The smug, arrogant behaviour of them is annoying. Don’t like the USA, then don’t come south of the border. Stay in cold Canada.
@Linda. You are quite incorrect. 75% of American don’t care about Canada at all Probsbly 15% support Canada and 10% support Trump and MAGA. I live in Missouri and Canada doesn’t even register on the radar
I think Pete Hoekstra is doing an amazing job.
@Ben. American Govt has never frozen the bank accounts of protesters, unlike the Canadian Govt. Carney is more authoritarian for sure. I don’t believe the US Govt has called an illegal Emergency Act that violated the charter rights of millions of citizens.
I don’t like that guy at all!!
I am SURE he lies as much as Trump….ALL THE TIME!!!!
In all probability, the Americans would rather pay disproportionately as repayment for our bridge paid by our public money because two bridges can only leads to 1) faster commute and 2) lower prices in the mid-terms. The president would rather protect the monopoly of billionaire buddy than defending the will and really the best interests of the population of both our countries.
Pete
You are a lying sack of excrement!
Gordy Howe
Living up to his creed
A Goal an Assist and a fight
The fight seems to opening it.
The majority of Americans are behind Canadians and realize the many mutual benefits there are and have been when dealing with us for decades. Trump has destroyed America and he and his family and elite friends have profited while Americans suffer with health care, food, gas, job loses, plus, plus, plus. The views seen in this article are not representative of the majority of Americans. The statements made here are clearly MAGA supporters brain washed by Trump and his administration. Viewing some of the 250 celebrations on TV last night was such a refreshing experience when most Americans celebrated their history ( good and bad) with the facts and then we had Trump fear mongering with ridiculous speech about communists taking over ( his new word for Democrats). So sad to see a once respected country no longer taken seriously world wide because of Trump. Trump now rates as the worse President in the history of America and that just about says it all.
This guy has no self opinion and reasonable sense. He is just a Trump parrot.
@Tex maybe worry about how low your country is on world democracy and freedom indices. No doubt both will soon be lower since your Supreme Court legalized gerrymandering and denied women a free choice.
He lies like a true Trump professional!
I would like to see the USA add additional border controls to Canadians. Require a visa ( not just a valid passport) and a $50 charge per person per entry into the USA. Albertans are exempt from these additional controls as they don’t bad mouth Americans.
I think Hookstra should look up the job description for ambassador. Maybe he’s confusing it with antagonizer.
Will keep the elbows up. Can we not get rid of this guy who is not ambassador material in any way. Unless be critical and antagonistic constantly is the new version.
And we are supposed to take his word on this???? NOT !! Just lying to cover up for his orange boss!
I don’t believe a thing this hack says. They’re all grifters. Pathetic!
@MAGA supporter your maga logo implies America is not great. Trump and all his sycophants including Hoekstra prove this on a daily basis, globally.
Canada decided to go Elbows Up and boycottt the USA. Now they face the consequences of that decision. Do you see Mexico doing such childish things like Canada? Blame Carney.
If you believe anything that thing has to say, you are a bigger fool than a Liberal clown.
While past trade fights over lumber or dairy were handled via courts and corporate backrooms, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a massive, highly visible piece of public infrastructure. For Canadians, seeing a multi-billion-dollar project—fully funded by their own government—held hostage while the U.S. Ambassador minimizes their financial sacrifice has turned Hoekstra into a lightning rod for public anger. Rather than smoothing over bilateral relations, his recent media circuit has solidified his reputation in Canada as a hostile actor rather than a partner.
Liar liar pants on fire
Amerikans are assholes
Not a real ambassador trying to improve relations between two historic allies, biggest trade customer and geopolitical friends for over 200 years. Another sycophantic dumbed down choir member of the egomaniacal sleezy huckster.
i am sure. trump can be bought easily
i am sure it has trump can be bought
Canada is irrelevant. Perhaps they should join the EU and stop crying like wimps.
We will open the bridge when ready. Canada doesn’t dictate the term. Canada can stay “Elbows Up”.
When the US does it to Iran, Russia and other countries its called sanctions. US tries to sanction them to death. That’s now what’s in the cards for Canada
Trump is a much better leader then “Sunny Way” Trudeau or “Elbows Up” Carney. Canadians love to criticize others but can take it in return. Total Babies….
With JT as PN where is the Canada going? A question many will ask while gala anting either kits Perry
TRUMP 2028, make Canada Great again.
Why don’t we use ‘technical ‘ difficulties to close the Ambassador bridge ? There’s the tunnel and Sarina to take the traffic .
Liar liar pants on fire !!!!!!
MAGA people are straight-up bitches. They’ll sell themselves for money. The guy in red sold out to the Arabs for a jet. They couldn’t even deal with Iran, but they still act like they’re the greatest power in the world. The dragon and the bear know Americans are just selling illusions, and sooner or later, they’ll strike. Give the old man 35K and he’ll call his boss to keep the bridge closed. Open your legs wider, little bitches.
Seams Hoekstra doesn’t have much clout when working for the White House. He’s very vague about most things and doesn’t carry much weight in his answers. Just more cou
ld .. should.. and maybe.
Trump is incompetent as per Canadians yet they elected Trudeau as PM for over a decade. What irony
Another liar for Trump!
Canadians should be careful labeling Trump “incompet” considering they elected Carney and the dude before him that wore a blackface.
Trump should destroys Canada economy till they show appreciation and respect and adhere to our demands. We are in charge.
Lies…Lies…Lies… if they ever speak the truth will we even know?!!!
Everything Trump, Hoekstra, etc, say is a lie. There’s zero point publishing any “news” on their positions. The only people dumber than them are their knuckle dragging supporters.
Just stop talking, Pete… the more you say, the worse of a job you do.
Nothing but rampart immoral corruption in the US anymore. So sad. They used to be? the beacon.. or at least tried!
trump will speak tonight at 11 . LOL…..
USA should do a full boycott on Canada full stop till more respect and appreciation is shown.
Hoekstra is a deputy to America’s Liar In Chief, and equally incompetent.
Looks like the angels pissed on trump’s July 4th plans
Carney is a superpower of virtue signalling. Other than his laughable “Davos” speech he has done little else.
Someone should lock him back up in his cage. What an embarrassing excuse for a so called intelligent person. A clown and a dangerous one at that
Can’t wait for a Canadian Govt that is serious and can negotiate properly instead of boasting “Elbows Up” and badmouthing America at every turn. Talk about ungrateful people.
What cry babies the USA boss babies are. Not a serious county. Trumpal has totally failed with the USA. The Trump Administration and followers are behaving like toddlers. There is no incentive to pursue anything with them.
There, fixed earlier statements made by bots or the uneducated.
Why are all maga cult members so stupid?
@ Build a wall. I agree, Canada is a much nicer place. Wouldn’t want to get maimed or killed by the American ICE or worse, the psychotic gun toters and then get away with it.
Lies like Trump
As Canadians complain so much about the USA why do they still come down? Even Trudeau is visiting the USA. Hilarious hypocrisy and doublespeak by Canadians. If it is better elsewhere, then go there.
Good grief Who kstra lives in his own MAGA fantasy.
@Build a wall.
I will. I went to Canada once. Didn’t care for the socialism and high prices. Won’t ever go back.
@Tex – we will stay in Canada, it’s a much nicer place. Please stay where you are.
@No Truck. What rubbish you speak. Trumps father was born in the USA and his mother emigrated to the USA in 1930. Lame statement by you.
All self inflicted wounds by Canada. Very funny as Carney boast of his “Davos” speech.
Canada has become so irrelevant under Trudeau and Carney. They seem to want to bite the hand that feeds them, all for domestic political purposes.
Canadians died to liberate this p.o.s.’s parents and real homeland, and this non-stop insulting and disgraceful conduct is what we get in return. He should be expelled. Start doing some long-deferred maintenance on the roads at our end of the AmbASSador bridge and see how the Murrikans like it.
We don’t need Canada and quite frankly would prefer they don’t visit us anymore anyways. They can stay up in their own country.
Carney said Canada was at “war” with the USA. So now Canada wants a bridge to open up. Maybe Carney should not have been so careless with his messaging. Carney is to blame for the poor relations with the USA.
Canada wants to charge massive tolls on commercial vehicles crossing from the USA to Canada. It makes the bridge more profitable to Canada. The USA is saying that is unfair, hence the stalemate.
Why is everyone in the orange penguin’s administration such big liars?
Lying is a negotiating tactic, as well.
Canada wanted to go Elbows Up and Boycott the USA. Now America is doing the same thing and Canadians can’t handle the punch back
This guy lies and gaslights as much as his boss. That pretty much means nonstop.
Canada should expropriate the Canadian side of the ambassador bridge. No international crossing should be in private hands.
Hoekstra doesn’t have a clue what’s happening. Trump is irrational and probably doesn’t know himself
Hoekstra’s nose is growing.He & his boss wouldn’t recognize the truth if it hit them in the face
Really sad of these Americans posting on this article. Notice the people who want to immigrate to the USA has gone to pot?!!!
Do we really believe what’s being said out of Washington nowadays?? Absolutely not. Lots of corruption going on more than ever.
Pete Hoekstra is doing an amazing job in my opinion. Sometimes the truth is hard to accept.
What cry babies Canadians are. Not a serious county.
Didn’t Carney openly tell Canadians to
boycott the USA. Carney has totally failed with the USA
The Canadians are behaving like toddlers
There is no incentive to pursue anything with them
They say timing is everything Pete. Timeline baby timeliness!!
Hoekstra. Just another Trump today. No agreement with this current American administration is worth the paper it’s written on. Apparently they will negate signed agreements made by previous Obama administration as well. Its going to be a rough next couple years until Trump and his sycophants are shown the door.
Both Hoekstra and Trump are delusional. Declare the Canadian entry onto the Ambassador bridge unfit for commercial travel and direct that traffic to the Blue Water bridge. Let the GH bridge sit. It’s not going anywhere. It’s a long term investment, eventually it the US administration will change and possibly some common sense will return.
Americans complain that Canada is not doing their part and yet when we totally fund a bridge that will benefit Americans and Canadians jointly they delay it to once again try to make it a point of negotiation on a totally different subject. It should have nothing to do with CUSMA. Why is CUSMA even mentioned with regards to the bridge. We all know the real reason…Trump….Trump….Trump.
Hoekstra is pretty well documented as not even knowing how many provinces there are. He’s a truly unserious man that will be gone in 2 years, no matter what.
We should notify Trump that we don’t need no stinking lying USA Ambassador. Trump can then fire Hoekstra and divert his pay into his pork barrel.
The ambassador is clearly lying.
Like he would tell the truth either way.
Canada already had enough internal issues that needed cleaning up, then adding the nonsense from Trump and his lackeys Pete Huckster and Howard Nutlick.
How much is the Maroun family paying to the US govt, not directly to Trump. They should be paying some type of tax each year
LIAR!!!