Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening
President Donald Trump has issued a threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects the United States and Canada, until the US is "fully compensated for everything" it has provided to Canada.
The bridge links the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of Michigan. Trump stated on social media that the bridge would not open until Ottawa "treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."
According to the project's official website, the bridge is funded by the Canadian government but will be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
It remains unclear how Trump might enforce a blockade on the bridge's opening; however, he indicated that negotiations would commence immediately, without providing further details.
Project Background and Costs
The bridge spans the Detroit River and is anticipated to open to traffic in early 2026, pending formal tests and approvals. Construction began in 2018, and the project has been a source of contention between the two countries for over a decade.
The estimated cost of the bridge is $6.4 billion CAD (£3.4 billion), as reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Ownership and Compensation Claims
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the United States should own "at least one half of this asset." He also implied that Canada owns both the Canadian and US sides of the bridge.
However, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, responsible for developing the bridge, is wholly owned by the Canadian government, according to the project's website.
"The Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just 'take advantage of America!'"
"I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,"
Trump's comments highlight his demand for compensation and a fair share of ownership.
Historical Context and Previous Opposition
The Moroun family, American owners of the neighboring Ambassador Bridge that also connects Detroit to Canada, previously appealed to Trump during his first term to halt construction of the new bridge. They argued that the new bridge infringed on their exclusive rights to collect tolls.
In response to this dispute, Trump and then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement affirming that the bridge was a "vital economic link" between the two countries.
Trade Disputes and Additional Comments
On Monday, Trump referenced recent trade disputes between the US and Canada, specifically criticizing tariffs imposed by Canada on US dairy products.
"The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable,"
He also commented on a trade deal signed between Canada and China last month, predicting it would negatively impact Canada.
"The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup."
Responses and Official Statements
Requests for comment from Canada’s bridge authority, the Ontario premier’s office, and the Detroit mayor’s office were not immediately answered.
