Overview

• Pete Hoekstra, nominee for U.S. ambassador to Canada, reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty following President Trump's repeated comments about annexation.
• Senators criticized Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which have disrupted trade and strained U.S.-Canada relations, with some businesses reporting significant economic impacts.
• Hoekstra acknowledged concerns about fentanyl smuggling but admitted the volume from Canada is minimal, while Canadian officials emphasized more drugs flow north from the U.S. than south.
• Ronald Johnson, nominee for U.S. ambassador to Mexico, faced questions about migration drivers and pledged to work on collaborative solutions with Mexico to address violence and human trafficking.
• Both nominees highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances but faced bipartisan criticism over the administration's rhetoric and policies toward key allies.