In her first interview with Canadian media since being named the United Statesā ambassador to Canada, Kelly Craft said that while sheāll adopt a gentler approach than her combative boss, sheās also committed to furthering his agenda.
āMy personality is to follow the agenda of the president,ā Craft said in an exclusive interview with CTVās Richard Madan.
āWe all have different tones,ā she added, referring to U.S. President Donald Trumpās team, ābut we all are seeking the same result -- and thatās what Iām focused on.ā
Craft, a businesswoman, philanthropist and major Republican donor, was sworn in as ambassador on Tuesday. Her husband, coal baron Joe Craft, will be joining her in Ottawa when she assumes her post in late October. Together, the couple contributed millions of dollars to Republican-affiliated organizations and candidates in the run-up to the 2016 U.S. election.
Craftās appointment comes at a time when Canada -- the United Statesā second largest trading partner after China -- is being forced to renegotiate NAFTA amid threats that Trump is considering scrapping the 23-year-old trade agreement.
Craft, nevertheless, says that she can be an asset at the negotiating table.
āI think Iām going to bring a level of being a great listener and the fact that I do have a personal relationship with Senator [Mitch] McConnell and several other people that only want the best for Mexico, Canada and the United States so we can promote a win-win-win for everyone,ā she said.
She demurred, however, when asked if Trumpās NAFTA threats are genuine.
āI am representing the president of the United States and his agenda,ā she said. āAnd he represents the people and he also knows what is really best for the American people and for our economy and our security.ā
The new ambassador to Canada even says that sheās struck up a friendship with Canadaās unofficial ambassador to the world, Toronto-born hip-hop star Drake
āHe came down for one of the basketball games,ā the native Kentuckian said. āHeās a great role model for the boys, for the young athletes, and so we just became friends with our mutual interest of promoting athletes.ā
Talking about basketball led to a conversation about the NFL, where numerous athletes have been kneeling during the playing of the U.S. national anthem, much to the outrage of Trump.
āThis is a country that promotes freedom of speech,ā Craft said, showcasing the calmness she hopes to bring to Canada-U.S. relations. āAnd I want to promote our constitution and the [Presidentās] agenda. And you know, for me to put my opinion is not fair. Even though I may differ, I still respect the opinion of everyone else.ā
"We all have different tones" - more on our exclusive with Amb Kelly Craft, talking & Trump's threat to scrap it ��������
ā Richard Madan (@RichardMadan)
