President-elect Trump revealed his nomination of former Representative Pete Hoekstra of Michigan as the next U.S. ambassador to Canada on Wednesday.
In a statement, Trump expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Pete is well-respected in the Great State of Michigan – A State we won sizably,” and highlighted Hoekstra’s qualifications for the position.
Pete Hoekstra’s appointment as U.S. ambassador to Canada marks the next chapter of his political career, after leading the Michigan GOP and serving in the Netherlands.
Hoekstra served as a Michigan congressman from 1993 to 2011, holding the role of chairman of the House Intelligence Committee during his tenure. Known for his alignment with the Tea Party, he also drew attention for questioning then-President Obama’s birthplace.
In 2017, Hoekstra was appointed as Trump’s ambassador to the Netherlands, a role confirmed by the Senate through a voice vote. By 2019, he was among the leading contenders for the position of director of national intelligence under Trump, though the role went to Representative John Ratcliffe of Texas.
Earlier this year, the Republican National Committee selected Hoekstra to lead the Michigan GOP. Trump lauded Hoekstra’s previous contributions, emphasizing his confidence in his abilities for the new position.
“He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years,” Trump stated, adding that Hoekstra’s efforts would further the administration’s mission to prioritize “AMERICA FIRST” in the coming term.
