America First Nomination: Pete Hoekstra

Biography

Pete Hoekstra, born in Groningen, Netherlands, and raised in Holland, Michigan, brings a distinguished career in public service, business leadership, and international diplomacy to his nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan, Hoekstra served as U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 2nd District from 1993 to 2011, including roles as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he focused on national security and counterterrorism. As a former representative of a border state of Canada for nine consecutive terms, Hoekstra has a unique understanding of North American trade relationships and priorities championed by President Trump. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2017 to 2021, advancing President Trump’s priorities abroad. An accomplished author and recipient of numerous honors, including the Order of the House of Orange, Hoekstra has also led business consulting initiatives and most recently served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in 2024, helping secure the state’s support for President Trump’s reelection. He is well-prepared to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations and advance America First policies.

America First Credentials

Supports

Military coalition efforts to achieve foreign policy goals of the U.S.

Encouraging other nations to join the U.S. in military efforts to combat terror groups and prevent the formation of dangerous “power vacuums” abroad.

Stronger borders and improved legal immigration process

• Increasing border security to deter drugs, human trafficking, and all who pose a security threat to the United States.
• Creating an immigration policy that supports those legally seeking the American Dream while encouraging Canadian border policy priorities.

Opposes

American tax dollars funding the work of political adversaries

U.S. projects that fund Chinese-specific companies and those backed by the Islamic State should be paused and reevaluated.

Cuts in defense spending

Decreasing defense spending. This funding is vital to mitigate new threats and ensure that U.S. service members have access to the weaponry to deter such threats.

America First Achievements

Leading the Conversation on American Intelligence

• Served as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he aided in the passage of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Act of 2008.
• Awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2008 by the Director of National Intelligence and the Agency Seal Medal by the CIA for ensuring the Agency had all necessary resources and for serving in a high capacity on behalf of American intelligence.

Promoting America First Policies at State-Level Leadership

Assumed the position of Michigan Republican Party Chair in 2024 and led his state to swing in favor of Trump’s America First administration.

Leading on America First Policies Abroad

• Awarded as an Officer in the Order of the Orange-Nassau in 2008, an honor from the Dutch Government.
• Founded the Congressional Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, which strengthens the relationship between the U.S. and the Netherlands.
• Authored Architects of Disaster: The Destruction of Libya, serving as a guide for future administrations making critical foreign policy decisions.