In a recent outburst, former President Donald Trump has issued a threat to block the opening of a major international bridge connecting the United States and Canada, escalating his ongoing trade disputes with the northern neighbour.
Trump's Latest Diatribe Against Canada
While travelling on Air Force One to Mar-a-Lago, Trump spoke to reporters and later posted a lengthy message on his social media platform, targeting Canada as part of his broader trade agenda. He claimed that Canada has treated the United States unfairly for decades, setting the stage for his latest provocative statements.
Threat to Halt Bridge Opening
Trump specifically threatened to prevent the scheduled opening of the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge, which links Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan. He stated that he would not allow the bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated and Canada shows the fairness and respect he believes is deserved.
This bridge project, approved during the Obama administration and with construction beginning in 2018 under Trump's presidency, is a binational partnership. In 2012, Michigan's then-governor Rick Snyder accepted Canadian funding for most of the costs, using executive authority to bypass the legislature. The bridge is now nearing completion, and the U.S. Homeland Security Department recently designated it as an official port of entry.
Bizarre Hockey Claim and Trade Context
In his tirade, Trump made a particularly unfounded assertion, claiming that increased trade between Canada and China would lead to China terminating all ice hockey in Canada and eliminating the Stanley Cup. This false statement has stunned observers, though similar claims have been made by Trump in the past, such as during comments broadcast by Canada's CTV last month.
The root of Trump's anger appears to be a closer trading relationship between Canada and China, negotiated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in response to Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports. Trump warned that China would exploit Canada in such deals.
Political Reactions and Implications
Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, criticised Trump's threats, warning that blocking the bridge could result in higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and job losses. She accused Trump of punishing Michiganders for a trade war he initiated, noting that Canada's potential deal with China is a direct response to U.S. tariffs.
Trump has intensified his threats against Canada in his second term, including proposals to drastically hike tariffs, such as a 100% tariff if Canada proceeds with a China trade deal. The Canadian embassy, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office, and the bridge authority have not yet commented on these latest developments.
As Democrats prepare to force a vote in the U.S. House on Trump's tariffs, this episode highlights the ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada relations and the unpredictable nature of Trump's trade policies.
