President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which links Michigan in the United States to Ontario in Canada, until Washington is “fully compensated” for what he claims the US has provided to its northern neighbour.
Trump made the statement on his social media platform, saying the bridge would not open until Canada “treats the United States with the fairness and respect that we deserve.”
He also claimed that the US should own “at least one half of this asset” and suggested that Canada controls both sides of the bridge—an assertion disputed by Canadian officials.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning the Detroit River, is being funded by the Canadian government but is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
Construction began in 2018, and the project is expected to open to traffic this year, pending formal safety tests and approvals. It is estimated to have cost CAD 6.4 billion (£3.4 billion).
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, criticised Trump’s threat, calling the bridge “an incredibly important infrastructure project” and warning that closing it could have “serious repercussions” for the state, including higher costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and fewer jobs.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also defended the project, noting it had been “a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation” and was crucial for jobs in the state.
Trump linked his threat to broader trade tensions, citing long-standing Canadian tariffs on US dairy products and a recent trade deal between Canada and China, which he claimed could harm US interests.
He also made a hyperbolic comment about ice hockey and the Stanley Cup, which drew criticism and ridicule from some observers.
The bridge’s development has been contentious for years. The Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, previously opposed the Gordie Howe Bridge, arguing it would infringe on their toll collection rights.
During Trump’s first term, he and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly stated that the bridge was a “vital economic link” between the two countries.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens dismissed Trump’s latest claims as inaccurate, calling them “just insane,” while Senator Slotkin insisted that Canada is “our friend, not our enemy,” and pledged to work to keep the project on track.
Canada’s bridge authority, the Ontario premier’s office, and the Detroit mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
