Former United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark threat to prevent the inauguration of a significant new bridge connecting the United States and Canada, heightening existing trade and diplomatic frictions with America's northern neighbor. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump declared he would "not allow" the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a 1.5-mile span linking Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario.
Trump's Demands and Legal Ambiguity
Trump's statement emphasized that the bridge's opening would be blocked until the United States receives full compensation for perceived contributions and Canada treats the US with "Fairness and Respect." He called for immediate negotiations, though the legal mechanisms for such an action remain unclear. CNN has reached out to the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority for comments on this developing situation.
Inaccurate Claims and Bridge Financing
In his post, Trump incorrectly asserted that Canada owns both sides of the bridge and constructed it with "virtually no US content." In reality, the over $4 billion project, named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, is fully financed by the Canadian government. However, under a 2012 agreement, it will be jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan. The pact also mandates that iron and steel used in construction be sourced exclusively from either the US or Canada, without bias toward either nation.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens confirmed to CBC News that US steel was utilized on the Michigan side of the project. Reacting to Trump's comments, Dilkens expressed disbelief, stating, "It's just insane. I really can't believe what I'm reading."
Escalating Tensions with Canada
This threat represents the latest escalation in Trump's criticism of Canada, which intensified after Prime Minister Carney's remarks at the Davos forum urging middle-power nations to collaborate against global superpowers, including the US. Recent weeks have seen Trump threaten to:
- Decertify aircraft manufactured in Canada.
- Impose a 50 percent tariff on Canadian planes.
- Warn of a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian goods if Ottawa pursues closer trade ties with China.
Canada's Strategic Moves and Past Praise
Last month, Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both countries announced a "new strategic partnership." Canada subsequently eased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing up to 49,000 units annually into its market, while China is expected to reduce tariff barriers on Canadian agricultural exports later this year. Trump also criticized Ontario for removing US alcoholic products from store shelves, a move taken in protest against US tariffs on Canadian goods.
Contrasting his current stance, Trump praised the bridge project during his first term, calling it "a vital economic link between the two countries" in a 2017 joint statement with then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Economic and Political Reactions
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan warned of economic repercussions, stating on X, "The President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started. Canada is our friend — not our enemy." As construction on the bridge is largely complete with testing underway for an expected opening later this year, this threat adds uncertainty to cross-border relations and infrastructure development.
