What’s new
One of former US President Donald Trump’s most trusted appointees, who played a key role in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, is entering the crowded race to become governor of Kentucky. Kelly Craft, who served as both the U.S. ambassador to Canada and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced Wednesday that she will enter the field of candidates seeking to become the Republican gubernatorial nominee. In a letter posted on her website, Craft said: “I’m not looking for a job. I’m looking to do it.” “There are tough decisions being made every day around kitchen tables in Kentucky. We are in tough times and people need help.” U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft smiles during a ceremony at Rideau Hall to present her credentials on October 23, 2017. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Despite serving at one of the most difficult times in the Canada-US relationship, Craft was well-liked by top Canadian officials during her two years in Ottawa, largely because she had Trump’s ear and was seen as influential with White House. “I wish her well. She’s a good person and a very good friend,” said David McNaughton, who served as Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. during the same period.
What is the context?
Kraft acted as Trump’s voice in Canada during the NAFTA renegotiation after the former president threatened to tear up the free trade deal. After months of difficult negotiations, the US first reached an agreement with Mexico in September 2018. Canada signed a month later. U.S. President Donald Trump, left, smiles as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft, right, speaks at a luncheon with members of the United Nations Security Council in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on December 5, 2019. ( (Andrew Harnik/The Associated Press) Kraft is a staunch Trump defender, standing by the former president in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and his continued lies that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. During an interview with Power & Politics during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Washington in November 2021, Kraft dodged questions about the impact of election fraud on democracy. WATCHES | Kelly Craft discusses her relationship with Donald Trump with Power & Politics last year:
Kelly Craft on her relationship with Donald Trump
Former US Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft spoke with Power & Politics in November 2021 about her relationship with former US President Donald Trump. At the time, he also confirmed that he would support Trump if he ran for President in 2024. “I’m an absolute fan of Donald Trump and I’ll be supportive of whatever decisions he makes,” Kraft said.
What’s next
Kraft, a Kentucky resident, must first win the Republican nomination in order to challenge Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in next November’s general election. Party votes are in May 2023. While Kentucky has leaned Republican in recent years, Beshear has consistently received strong approval ratings. The state has set records for job creation and investment during his tenure and has recorded the lowest unemployment rates ever. Beshear has also won praise for his administration’s responses to the extreme weather that has hit the state in recent months. Historic flooding in eastern Kentucky killed 39 people in August. A series of tornadoes hit the western part of the state last December, killing 80 people. Bogdan Gaicki surveys tornado damage in Mayfield, Ky., on Dec. 12, 2021. Dozens of devastating tornadoes struck five U.S. states overnight, leaving more than 80 dead. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) During her time in Ottawa, Craft said she believes in both sides of the science when it comes to climate change. “I think both sides have their own results, from their studies, and I appreciate and respect both sides of the science,” Craft told CBC’s Rosemary Barton in an October 2017 interview. WATCHES | Kelly Craft discusses climate change with the CBC in 2017:
The new US ambassador to Canada for climate change science
Kelly Kraft takes her seat in Ottawa today, telling CBC’s Rosemary Barton that she believes in “both sides of the science” on climate change. Craft is married to coal magnate Joe Craft and they are longtime Republican donors, contributing millions of dollars to the party and GOP candidates. Crafts has also been a major donor to academic initiatives in Kentucky and highlighted her commitment to education in her campaign launch Wednesday. Other candidates in the race for the Republican nomination include state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, state Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, state Comptroller Mike Harmon and state Rep. Savannah Maddox.
