Former US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that he may block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure project linking Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, until the United States is “fully compensated for everything” it has provided to Canada. Trump expressed his stance on social media, emphasizing that the bridge would remain closed until Canada shows “fairness and respect” towards the US.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, funded by the Canadian government yet publicly owned by both Canada and the state of Michigan, is expected to open pending formal tests and approvals. Construction began in 2018, with costs estimated at 6.4 billion Canadian dollars. The new bridge has been part of ongoing discussions between the two countries for over a decade.
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, described the bridge as “incredibly important infrastructure” and warned that blocking its opening would be detrimental to the state’s economy, potentially leading to increased costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and job losses.
Trump has not detailed the means by which he could obstruct the bridge’s opening but indicated negotiations on the matter would commence immediately. He also contested the current ownership setup, claiming the US should own at least half of the bridge. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, however, is wholly owned by the Canadian government.
In his remarks, Trump criticized the lack of use of American steel in construction and blamed former President Barack Obama for allowing the project to progress without it. On the Canadian side, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens dismissed Trump’s claims as unfounded and expressed disbelief at the allegations.
The project has faced opposition in the past from the Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who argued that the new bridge infringed on their toll collection rights. Despite those challenges, Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously affirmed the bridge’s importance as an economic connection between the two nations.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office also criticized the threat to close the bridge, highlighting the project as an example of bipartisan and international cooperation beneficial for jobs in the region.
Trump further cited ongoing trade tensions, particularly citing tariffs on American dairy products imposed by Canada as “unacceptable”. He also referenced a recent Canada-China trade deal, warning it could harm Canada economically and controversially claimed that it would diminish ice hockey and the Stanley Cup’s significance in Canada. Senate members and local officials countered these statements, emphasizing the importance of the US-Canada relationship and the negative effects of deteriorated trade relations.
Official spokespeople from the Canadian bridge authority, the Ontario premier’s office, and the Detroit mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Trump’s statements.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised to become a key cross-border infrastructure asset once operational, with significant implications for trade and transport between the United States and Canada.
