In brief
In a dramatic statement, Donald Trump declared that he would block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Ontario and Michigan, unless the US is compensated for perceived imbalances in trade and support. The bridge, funded by Canada and a vital link between the two nations, is due to open in early 2026.
President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a bridge connecting the US and Canada until Washington is fully compensated for everything it has given to its northern neighbour.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect the Canadian province of Ontario to the US state of Michigan, will not open until Ottawa treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve, Trump wrote on social media.
According to the project's website, the bridge is being funded by the Canadian government but will be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
While it remains unclear how Trump could halt the opening of the bridge, he stated that negotiations would begin immediately without providing specifics.
Spanning the Detroit River, the bridge is expected to open to traffic pending formal tests and approvals in early 2026, having begun construction in 2018 amidst a long-standing controversy.
Estimated to cost $6.4bn CAD (£3.4bn), Trump remarked that the US should own at least one half of this asset and criticized the current ownership structure.
In his remarks, he accused Canada of taking advantage of America, asserting, I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them. He also brought up historical trade disputes over tariffs on dairy products.
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, have appealed to Trump previously to block the new bridge's construction, citing exclusivity in toll collection. At the time, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had called the bridge a vital economic link.
Trump’s comments follow a recent trade deal between Canada and China, which he argued jeopardizes US interests. He insisted the deal would lead to detrimental impacts, humorously noting it could threaten the Stanley Cup.
As of now, officials from Canada’s bridge authority, the Ontario premier's office, and the Detroit mayor's office have not responded to requests for comments regarding Trump's statements.
