Trump Threatens to Block New Bridge Linking Detroit and Windsor

President Donald Trump intensified tensions with Canada on Monday by threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a 1.5-mile span linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, that is expected to open later this year after testing. In a lengthy publication on Truth Social, Trump declared, «I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.» The statement immediately cast uncertainty over the cross-border project, which has been under development for more than a decade and is valued at over $4 billion.

In the same post, Trump accused Canada of longstanding economic unfairness and directly criticized the terms surrounding the bridge's construction. He wrote, «As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST!» He further claimed that Canada «own both the Canada and the United States side» and that the bridge was built with «virtually no U.S. content.» Trump also asserted that former President Barack Obama «stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act,» and concluded, «What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING!» His remarks marked one of his most direct attacks yet on a major joint infrastructure asset.

According to CNN, it remains unclear how Trump could prevent the bridge from opening. The 2012 agreement governing the project states that it is being fully paid for, built, operated and maintained by Ottawa, but will be jointly owned by the government of Canada and the state of Michigan. The agreement also specifies that iron and steel used in construction must be produced in either the United States or Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded that Canada financed the bridge and confirmed that American steel and workers were involved in its construction. Michigan officials similarly described the project as the result of cross-border cooperation involving union labor on both sides.

Trump's publication extended beyond the bridge itself and revisited broader trade disputes. He complained that Ontario «won't even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves,» and described Canadian dairy tariffs as «unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk.» Ontario removed American alcohol from provincial liquor stores last year in response to U.S. tariffs. Trump also argued that the United States should «own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset,» claiming that «The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical.» The comments continued a pattern of economic grievances directed at Ottawa.

The latest threat unfolds against the backdrop of renewed strain between Washington and Ottawa, fueled by reports of a potential trade agreement between Canada and China. In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote that Prime Minister Carney «wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We'll just get the leftovers!» He has also warned that he would impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade arrangement with Beijing. Last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced a new strategic partnership under which China is expected to reduce tariff barriers on Canadian canola seed, lobster and peas, while Canada would ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and allow tens of thousands of Chinese EVs into its market annually.

Trump's remarks also took a symbolic turn, stating, «The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.» The escalating rhetoric arrives ahead of the scheduled review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement later this year, a trade pact negotiated during Trump's first term. His latest threat to halt the bridge's opening adds further strain to relations between Washington and Ottawa, as both governments publicly signal confidence that the project will move forward while negotiations over broader trade issues loom.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.