Ottawa disputes U.S. meddling claims as Trump backs foreign leaders

The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet on Wednesday that details Canadian actions it deems potential interference in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The document arrives as President Donald Trump continues to publicly back foreign leaders, a practice that critics argue undermines the credibility of Washington’s complaints. Trump recently voiced support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an election on Tuesday. This follows earlier endorsements for candidates in Poland, Honduras, Colombia, and Japan.

The diplomatic friction has intensified since early 2025, when Trump returned to the White House. During a February meeting of his Board of Peace, the president acknowledged his habit, stating, "I'm not supposed to be endorsing people. As long as it works, it's OK with me." His involvement extends beyond verbal support. In Hungary, Vice President JD Vance attended a rally for former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In Argentina, Trump suggested a financial support package would depend on the election results for President Javier Milei’s party.

Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University, described the situation as the pot calling the kettle black. He noted that this administration has a long history of directly intervening in the elections of allied nations. Former U.S. ambassador to Canada James Blanchard agreed, telling Rosemary Barton Live on Sunday that the administration lacks credibility. "I can't from this current administration," Blanchard said regarding the accusations.

The embassy’s fact sheet cites specific incidents involving Canadian officials. It points to Liberal MP Anthony Housefather canvassing for a Florida Democrat during a primary earlier this year. The list also includes comments by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly regarding counter-tariff strategies, some dating back to March 2025 when she served as foreign affairs minister. Additionally, the release references the Ontario government’s Ronald Reagan advertisement and a federal billboard campaign from early 2025.

Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed the claims during a news conference in Istanbul on Friday. "There is no merit to these claims, so I'll call it out that way," Carney said. He expressed disappointment that U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra viewed making such suggestions as part of his role. The embassy declined to comment when asked if a Canadian official endorsing a midterm candidate would constitute interference.

Trade tensions are already affecting Republican candidates in border states. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who has represented the state since 1997, stated on social media that she secured exemptions to U.S. tariffs. "I will continue working directly with administration officials to seek additional relief," she wrote. In Michigan, Republican candidate Mike Rogers aired a commercial this month arguing that Canada is not an enemy and that the tariff war must end.

The U.S. Embassy’s release came after warnings from Ambassador Hoekstra and White House adviser Peter Navarro. Drezner suggested that the White House may blame Canada for poor midterm results if they occur. He described that strategy as the modus operandi of this White House. Carney said on Friday that he does not see the administration blaming Canada for a poor result and imposing further tariffs.