U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to block the opening of the nearly completed Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major new crossing between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, unless Canada meets a list of demands he says address unfair treatment of the United States in trade and infrastructure matters.
The bridge, a $4.7 billion project financed mainly by the Canadian government and under construction since 2018, is slated to open in early 2026 and is expected to ease one of the busiest freight corridors on the U.S.–Canada border. In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated that he “will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also… Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.” He demanded that the U.S. receive a larger ownership stake in the project and said negotiations with Ottawa would begin immediately.
Trump cited several reasons for his threat. He accused Canada of adopting unfair trade policies and argued that Washington has been taken advantage of by its northern neighbour. He said the U.S. should receive at least half ownership of the bridge and compensation for what he claims are long-standing economic imbalances. Trump also criticised Canada for using virtually no U.S.-made materials, especially steel, in the construction. His comments come amid broader tensions with Ottawa, including disagreements over tariffs and Canada’s deepening economic engagement with China.
Political leaders in Michigan, where the bridge is partly owned, have pushed back strongly against Trump’s threat. Democratic lawmakers warned that blocking the bridge could harm the state’s economy, weaken supply chains, and jeopardise jobs tied to cross-border trade. Michigan’s governor’s office emphasized that the bridge was a bipartisan effort and should open as planned, noting its economic importance for the region. Canadian officials and the Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority have not yet issued detailed public responses, but observers in Ottawa have described Trump’s stance as escalating already strained U.S.–Canada relations.
Once open, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, two existing crossings that handle a large share of truck and passenger traffic between the two countries. The new crossing will also serve as an official port of entry for people and goods, making it a key part of the North American trade infrastructure.
English