President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a new international bridge connecting the United States and Canada, demanding that the United States be fully compensated and treated with fairness by its northern neighbor. The threat, made via social media on Monday, targets the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is set to link Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, and is nearing completion after years of construction.
Trump explicitly stated that he will not allow the bridge to open until Canada compensates the U.S. for perceived imbalances and shows the respect that America deserves. In his post, he claimed that the U.S. should own at least half of the asset, arguing that revenues from the bridge would be astronomical due to the American market. This move is part of his ongoing criticism of Canada, which has included complaints about trade practices and tariffs.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a six-lane structure spanning the Detroit River, with construction having begun in 2018 and funded entirely by the Canadian government at an estimated cost of $4.7 billion to $6.4 billion CAD. It is designed to alleviate congestion at existing crossings and is expected to open to traffic in early 2026, pending final tests and approvals. The bridge will be publicly owned by both Canada and the state of Michigan, but Trump’s threat introduces uncertainty into its operational timeline.
This incident is not the first time the bridge has been a point of contention; during Trump’s first term, the owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge lobbied against its construction to protect their toll revenues. At that time, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement affirming the bridge’s importance as a vital economic link. However, Trump’s latest comments signal a shift, leveraging the project as a bargaining chip in broader trade negotiations.
Trump’s threat comes amid renewed trade tensions, with him citing Canada’s dairy tariffs as unacceptable and criticizing a recent trade deal between Canada and China. He suggested that such agreements would harm Canada, even making hyperbolic claims about the elimination of ice hockey and the Stanley Cup. These statements reflect his confrontational approach to international trade, which has characterized his presidency.
The potential blocking of the bridge could have significant economic implications, as it is intended to facilitate cross-border commerce between two of the world’s largest trading partners. Delaying its opening might disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses reliant on timely transport across the Detroit River. Moreover, it could strain diplomatic relations further, complicating efforts to resolve ongoing disputes.
As of now, Canadian authorities, including the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Ontario premier’s office, have not responded to requests for comment on Trump’s threat. Similarly, officials in Detroit and Washington have remained silent, leaving uncertainty about how this situation will unfold. The lack of immediate reaction suggests that both sides may be assessing their options before engaging in negotiations.
Looking ahead, Trump indicated that he plans to start negotiations immediately, though the specifics of such talks remain unclear. The outcome could hinge on whether Canada is willing to make concessions on trade issues or if the U.S. will push for direct ownership stakes in the bridge. This development underscores the volatile nature of U.S.-Canada relations under Trump’s leadership and sets the stage for potential confrontations in the coming months.
