jeanne shaheen put the pressure on U. S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday as she challenged his criticism of Canada and warned that cross-border tensions are hurting tourism and business in New Hampshire. The exchange came during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget request in Washington, D. C., with jeanne shaheen focusing on the fallout from Canada’s alcohol ban and a sharp drop in Canadian visitors.
Shaheen said tourism is the second-largest industry in New Hampshire and pointed to a 5. 5 per cent decline in international visitors to the U. S. last year, which she said was the only major economy to record a drop. She also said tourism from Canada fell 30 per cent in her state last year, and tied that decline to “the loss of trust and goodwill because of this administration’s rhetoric around Canada. ”
Lutnick responded by calling it “insulting and disrespectful to America” for Canada not to put U. S. spirits on its shelves. He also said Canada’s economy “leans on the incredible $30-trillion economy of America” before Shaheen cut him off to press him on his language toward Canada.
Jeanne Shaheen challenges the rhetoric
Shaheen said Lutnick had previously described Canada’s economic strategy by saying, “They suck. ” She then asked how insulting Canada could help businesses in New Hampshire and other states that are facing losses tied to reduced Canadian business and tourism.
The exchange centered on how trade and political rhetoric are spilling into consumer behavior. In this case, the issue is not abstract: Shaheen framed it as a direct hit to a state industry that depends heavily on visitors and cross-border goodwill. jeanne shaheen used the hearing to connect that pressure to what she described as a measurable decline in travel from Canada.
What Lutnick said about U. S. spirits
Lutnick argued that Canada’s refusal to stock U. S. spirits was the real offense. His comments came after Shaheen raised the effect of falling Canadian tourism and asked why insulting Canada would help Americans who are already seeing business losses.
The hearing gave both sides a public stage to underline the dispute. Shaheen linked the issue to economic damage in her state, while Lutnick framed Canada’s alcohol policy as disrespectful to the United States.
Why the dispute matters now
The clash comes as cross-border tensions remain visible in trade and tourism debates. Shaheen’s remarks show how those tensions are landing in states that depend on Canadian visitors and spending.
For now, the dispute remains tied to rhetoric, alcohol shelves, and the broader strain in the relationship. If the pressure continues, jeanne shaheen has made clear she will keep treating the tourism slump as a real economic warning for New Hampshire and beyond.
