Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of England, has publicly addressed Donald Trump's recent threats to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a critical border crossing under construction between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. Carney emphasised that Canada financed the project and that ownership is jointly held with the US state of Michigan, aiming to dispel misinformation and reinforce bilateral cooperation.
Trump's Social Media Rant Targets Bridge and Trade
In a lengthy social media post on Monday, Donald Trump falsely claimed that the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge has "virtually no US content" and that Canada owns both ends of the structure. He also made an unusual assertion that increased trade between Canada and China would lead to a ban on ice hockey in Canada, including the termination of the Stanley Cup. Trump wrote, "What does the United States of America get – Absolutely NOTHING!" blaming his predecessor, Barack Obama, for approving the project.
Carney's Calm Response and Factual Clarification
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of an Olympic ice hockey game between Canada and the US, Mark Carney described his conversation with Trump as "positive" and downplayed the president's comments. In French, he stated that the "situation will be resolved," and explained, "I explained that Canada paid for the construction of the bridge … that the ownership is shared between the state of Michigan and the government of Canada, and that in the construction of the bridge, obviously there's Canadian steel and Canadian workers, but also US steel, US workers that were involved." Carney highlighted the bridge as a "great example of co-operation between our countries."
Local and Political Reactions to Trump's Claims
Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ontario, expressed disbelief at Trump's post, telling CBC News, "It's just insane, when I read that post I can't believe what I'm reading, but it's par for the course." Former Conservative MP Jeff Watson pointed out that construction began during Trump's first term as president, when he had called for expeditious progress. Since winning a second term, Trump has intensified his focus on Canada, airing grievances over issues like the dairy industry and imposing tariffs on goods such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Trade Tensions and Ontario's Retaliation
In response to Trump's tariffs, Ontario, Canada's most populous province, removed US spirits and wines from government-run liquor stores. Populist premier Doug Ford stated he would "double down [on the US liquor ban] if we have to," adding, "You want to fix it? Get rid of the tariffs." Trump's latest tirade appears driven by concerns over Carney's plans to enhance trade with China, a move he initially praised but now threatens with a 100% tariff if Canada proceeds with a deal.
Public Mockery and Business Concerns
Canadians ridiculed Trump's bizarre claim about China ending ice hockey, with one user on X noting Canada's failure to win the Stanley Cup since 1993. Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, warned in a statement, "Whether this proves real or simply threatened to keep uncertainty high – blocking or barricading bridges is a self-defeating move." She emphasised decades of collaboration in building, job creation, and global competition. Comedian Mark Critch summed up the sentiment, calling Trump's bridge threat "epic troll behaviour."
