The Trump administration has stepped up accusations that Canadian officials are attempting to meddle in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. A fact sheet issued Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa outlined multiple instances of Canadian ministers and premiers describing plans to shape American political outcomes through trade actions and direct engagement with U.S. Democrats.

The document stated that Canadian leaders have brushed off concerns about potential interference even as they publicly discuss strategies to pressure U.S. politics. It cited Industry Minister Mélanie Joly's comments about targeting products in specific American states to apply political leverage on tariffs. Joly also referenced meetings with governors and potential presidential candidates when discussing possible changes if Democrats perform well.

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has publicly stated that American officials are closely monitoring Canadian activities. Trade adviser Peter Navarro warned Canadian lobbyists to stay out of U.S. elections in battleground states like Maine and Michigan, saying interference would bring additional consequences.

Tensions stem from the ongoing trade dispute. President Trump has imposed significant tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Ottawa to respond with its own measures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected the interference claims as having no merit and expressed disappointment in the ambassador's comments.

The midterms on November 3 will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump's term. Canadian diplomats have received guidance to avoid meetings with U.S. midterm candidates during this period. Administration officials maintain that Americans alone should decide their elections and that foreign efforts to influence the process warrant scrutiny.