Former US President Donald Trump has made a series of contentious statements regarding Canada's international relations and infrastructure projects, sparking widespread criticism and disbelief.
Trump's Trade Deal Warning and Ice Hockey Claims
In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that China would 'eat Canada alive' if Prime Minister Mark Carney proceeds with a trade agreement between the two nations. He went further by claiming that such a deal would lead China to 'terminate ALL ice hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.'
These remarks have been met with scepticism, as China possesses no authority to abolish ice hockey or the Stanley Cup in Canada, regardless of any bilateral trade arrangements. The comments appear to be part of Trump's broader critique of Canada's foreign policy decisions.
Controversy Over the Windsor-Detroit Bridge
Trump also targeted the new bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, which is scheduled to open in the coming months. Despite the project being funded entirely by Canada, Trump claimed there was 'No US consent' for its construction.
He declared, 'I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.' Trump suggested that the US should 'own, perhaps, at least half of this asset,' overlooking the fact that ownership is shared between the Canadian government and the state of Michigan.
The bridge, constructed using both American and Canadian steel, represents a significant binational infrastructure effort. Prime Minister Carney clarified, 'I explained that Canada, of course, paid for the construction of the bridge, over $4 billion; 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, Canadian workers, but also US steel, US workers that are involved.'
Political Reactions and Historical Context
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens responded to Trump's post by calling it 'insane,' telling the CBC, 'I really can't believe what I'm reading. The faster we can get to the midterms and hopefully see a change, the better for all of us.'
Trump's opposition to the bridge opening seems linked to Ontario's ban on American alcoholic beverage imports, a longstanding trade issue. However, this stance contrasts sharply with his previous support for the project. In 2017, he praised the bridge's construction alongside then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, describing it as an 'expeditious completion.'
These latest comments underscore ongoing tensions in US-Canada relations, with Trump accusing Canada of treating the United States 'very unfairly' for decades. The situation highlights the volatile nature of diplomatic discourse under his influence, raising concerns about future bilateral cooperation.
