Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark threat to block the long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major $4.7bn (£3.4bn) infrastructure project connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared he would not allow the bridge to open unless the United States receives full compensation and fair treatment from Canada, escalating existing trade tensions between the two nations.
Trump's Demands Over the Bridge Project
Trump's rant centred on claims that Canada has treated the US unfairly for decades, with specific grievances about the bridge's financing and construction. He asserted that the US is getting absolutely NOTHING from the project and demanded that the US should own at least one half of the asset. This outburst marks a sharp reversal from his 2017 endorsement of the bridge alongside then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Background of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
The bridge, named after a Canadian hockey legend who played for the Detroit Red Wings, is set to open in spring 2026. It features six lanes for vehicles, pedestrian and cycling options, and aims to reduce congestion on alternative routes like the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, it is projected to save travellers $12.7m (£9.3m) annually by cutting travel time and easing traffic flows.
Financed predominantly by Canada after an agreement with Michigan's former Republican governor Rick Snyder in 2012, the bridge will be recouped through toll revenue over 36 years. Notably, it was built using union workers from both countries but not US steel, a point of contention for Trump.
Broader US-Canada Trade Tensions
Trump's threat comes amid heightened friction with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, largely driven by trade disputes. In his second term, Trump has imposed drastic tariffs on Canada, prompting the country to negotiate a trade deal with China. Trump referenced this in his post, warning that China would eat Canada alive and leave the US with just the leftovers.
Additional grievances include Canada's dairy import policies and Ontario's ban on American alcoholic beverages. The bridge issue also precedes a formal review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which shields Canada from the worst impacts of Trump's tariffs.
Political and Economic Implications for Michigan
Michigan, a swing state that supported Trump in 2016 and 2024, would bear the brunt of any delay. Local politicians warn that blocking the bridge could harm the state's economy, leading to higher costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and job losses. Michigan's Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has maintained a good relationship with Trump, stated through a spokesperson that the bridge is going to open one way or another.
Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, called the bridge a huge boon to the state's economic future and accused Trump of punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started. Similarly, Representative Shri Thanedar of Detroit labelled the threat as crazy, emphasising that the bridge would boost commerce with Canada, one of Michigan's largest partners.
Uncertainty Over Trump's Ability to Block the Bridge
Trump has not clarified how he would prevent the bridge from opening, and Sky News has reached out to the White House for comment. The situation remains fluid, with potential impacts on bilateral relations and regional economies. As tensions simmer, the fate of this critical cross-border link hangs in the balance, reflecting broader geopolitical struggles under Trump's leadership.
