Trump Threatens to Block Opening of New U.S.–Canada Bridge

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major cross-border infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, as tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue to escalate.

Trump’s Statement

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would “not allow” the bridge to open until the United States was “fully compensated” and Canada treated the U.S. with what he described as fairness and respect. He said negotiations would begin immediately.

Trump did not explain how the federal government would block the opening of the bridge. U.S. and Canadian officials contacted for comment did not immediately respond.

Bridge Project Details

Major construction on the 1.5-mile bridge has been completed, and it is scheduled to open later this year following testing. The project cost more than $4 billion and is being fully funded, built, operated and maintained by the Canadian government.

Under a 2012 bilateral agreement, the bridge will be jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan. The agreement also requires that iron and steel used in construction be produced in either the United States or Canada.

Dispute Over Construction Claims

Trump said Canada owns both sides of the bridge and claimed it was built with little U.S. content. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said U.S.-produced steel was used on the Michigan side of the project.

Dilkens criticised Trump’s remarks, saying the claims were inaccurate.

Broader U.S.–Canada Tensions

Trump’s comments follow a series of disputes with Canada over trade and tariffs. He has previously threatened tariffs on Canadian aircraft and goods and warned against Canada pursuing trade agreements with China.

Ontario last year removed U.S. alcoholic products from provincial liquor stores in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, a move Trump referenced in his remarks.

Political Reaction

Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan warned that blocking the bridge would harm the state’s economy, saying the project was critical for cross-border trade.

During his first term, Trump had publicly supported the bridge. A 2017 joint statement with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the project as a vital economic link between the two countries.