Peter Navarro, the White House’s senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing, warned Canadian lobbyists to leave the United States during a Washington event on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Navarro also warned that Canada could face further consequences if it interferes in the November 2026 U.S. midterm elections, specifically referring to political contests in Maine and Michigan.
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Peter Navarro targets Canadian lobbying
Navarro directed his remarks at Canadians working on K Street, the Washington corridor associated with lobbying and government relations.
“Please, if you’re on K Street, get the hell out of our country,” Navarro said, according to accounts of the event.
He added that Canada had previously lobbied successfully in the United States and should not assume that approach would continue.
“Memo to Canada: You cannot do that,” Navarro said.
The remarks were delivered at an economic event hosted by a communications and policy firm in Washington.
Navarro was responding to a question about Canada’s role in broader trade and national-security disputes.
Warning linked to 2026 U.S. midterms
Navarro connected the lobbying criticism to the approaching U.S. midterm elections, which are scheduled for November 2026.
He warned that Canada would face a stronger response if it attempted to influence American voting, naming Maine and Michigan as states where Canadian activity could become an issue.
Navarro did not identify a specific Canadian government program, organization or election operation that he believed amounted to interference.
That distinction matters because lobbying, public advocacy and election interference are separate activities under U.S. law.
Foreign governments and organizations may engage in regulated advocacy, while political spending and election-related activity can trigger additional disclosure and legal requirements.
Comments come amid worsening trade relations
The warning came as relations between Ottawa and Washington remained strained over tariffs, market access and retaliatory trade measures.
Navarro has repeatedly criticized Canada’s trade policies and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach to the Trump administration.
In recent public commentary, he has accused Canada of using political pressure and international partnerships to resist U.S. demands.
The White House lists Navarro in its annual report to Congress as an assistant to the president and senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing, giving his comments added significance even though he did not announce a new policy during the event.
His remarks also echoed a broader message from President Donald Trump’s administration that Canada must make concessions in trade negotiations rather than rely on political or lobbying pressure in Washington.
What happens next
It was not immediately clear whether the administration planned to introduce new restrictions on Canadian lobbying or impose penalties based on the warning.
Any formal action would likely involve existing U.S. rules governing foreign agents, lobbying disclosures, campaign activity or trade enforcement.
A public accusation alone does not establish that Canada has violated U.S. election law.
For Canadian officials and companies operating in the United States, the comments signal a more confrontational political environment ahead of the midterms and could increase scrutiny of government-relations work in Washington.
The warning also adds another point of tension to the Canada-U.S. relationship as both countries continue to face pressure over tariffs and the future of bilateral trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Peter Navarro say about Canadian lobbyists?
Navarro told Canadians working on K Street to leave the United States and said Canada could no longer rely on lobbying to influence U.S. policy.
What did Navarro warn Canada not to do?
He warned Canada not to interfere in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections and said the country could face further consequences if it did.
Which U.S. states did Navarro mention?
Navarro specifically referred to Maine and Michigan, where competitive elections are expected during the 2026 midterms.
Did Navarro provide evidence of Canadian election interference?
No specific Canadian election operation or confirmed violation was identified in the remarks reported from the event.
Why are the comments significant for Canada?
They add pressure to already strained Canada-U.S. trade relations and suggest Canadian government and corporate lobbying in Washington may face heightened political scrutiny.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against White House personnel information and publicly available statements and event accounts concerning Navarro’s September 29, 2026 remarks.
Disclaimer: This article reports Navarro’s claims and does not independently establish that Canada has interfered in U.S. elections.