Hoekstra calls 51st state remark a discussion for Trump and Carney

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state is a matter for President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss, as the White House again raised the issue ahead of trade negotiations. Trump revived the topic in a social media post this week, prompting a response from Carney, who said Canada would not react to every comment from the U.S. president. Hoekstra defended sharing the post, saying he represents the president’s views in Canada. The exchange comes as Canada moves to renew the CanadaU.S.Mexico Agreement, also known as CUSMA, when it comes up for review on July 1. U.S. officials have indicated they want changes to the deal, including on autos and dairy, which adds pressure to the coming talks.