Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty at the Pentagon on September 22, 2025. The meeting focused on the ongoing military relationship between the United States and Canada and emphasized Canada's pledge to increase its defense spending.
According to Department of War Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell, "Secretary Hegseth and Minister McGuinty discussed the longstanding military relationship between the United States and Canada and vital importance of Canada stepping up to meet its historic Hague Summit commitment."
The discussion included Canada's promise at the NATO Hague Summit to raise defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product by 2035. "The two leaders discussed Canada's commitment at the NATO Hague Summit to increase defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product and planned investments to deliver on this promise by 2035," Parnell said.
Hegseth highlighted that cooperation between both countries is crucial as Canada works toward rebuilding its military capabilities. He also encouraged Canada to ensure these efforts align with mutual defense interests, particularly in relation to North American security. "Secretary Hegseth underscored the importance of U.S.-Canada cooperation as Canada restores its military capacity, and urged Canada to do so in line with shared defense interests, especially regarding the defense of North America," according to Parnell.
