“Illicit weapons have always been available to those who can afford them, but they have not generally been the latest state-of-the-art equipment, which requires experience and expertise to use.”

American politician and diplomat

Pete Hoekstra is an American politician and diplomat. A Republican, he has served since 2025 as the 33rd United States ambassador to Canada. He previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands from 2018 to 2021 and represented Michigan’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011. Hoekstra’s career has centered on public office and diplomacy, with long service in Congress followed by ambassadorial posts in Europe and Canada. He is known for his work in U.S. foreign relations and national politics.