MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pressed U.S Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Wednesday over what she called “insulting rhetoric” from the Trump administration toward Canada.
Lutnick was testifying before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Trump’s 2027 budget request when the exchange occurred.
Shaheen said New Hampshire saw a 30% drop in Canadian tourism last year. She noted tourism is the state’s second-largest industry, supporting about 70,000 jobs.
“We have all those Canadian tourists who are not coming because of your comments and comments by the administration,” she said.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go <<
The questioning followed comments from Lutnick suggesting Canada’s economy was “leeching” off the United States.
“How does insulting our closest ally and neighbor help the businesses in my state of New Hampshire and states all across this country who are hurting because of the loss of Canadian business and tourism?” Shaheen asked.
“Canada’s economy leans on the incredible $30 trillion economy of America,” Lutnick responded.
Lutnick also said it was outrageous that Canada is not currently stocking U.S. alcohol on store shelves amid strained relations between the two countries.