The US Embassy in Ottawa has accused Canadian officials of election meddling ahead of the November midterms. The embassy stated that Canadian leaders have dismissed concerns over "potential interference" and that ministers and premiers "openly describe plans to influence American politics in official documents and public appearances".
Canadian Leaders Respond
Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have rejected these claims. Relations between the North American neighbors have soured during the second Trump administration. The midterms will determine which political party controls both branches of the US Congress, potentially impacting the remainder of Trump's presidency.
The fact sheet released by the US Embassy on Wednesday alleges that the Canadian government "brushes off concerns about potential interference in U.S. elections, even as its ministers and premiers openly describe plans to influence American politics in official documents and public appearances". It cites various comments and actions, such as meetings with US Democrats and calls for retaliatory tariffs against the US.
For instance, when Industry Minister Mélanie Joly was asked about expected tariffs if Democrats were to win the midterm elections, she responded, "That's exactly why I'm meeting so many governors and potential presidential candidates."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reportedly urged Canada's federal government to consider additional retaliatory tariffs on imports from "politically significant states to the current administration's base of support".
