Trump Threatens to Delay Opening of US-Canada Bridge
President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada agrees to share ownership and authority.
The warning followed what the White House described as a “clear and direct” phone call between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Earlier, Trump wrote on social media that the bridge would not open until Canada treats the United States with “fairness and respect.”
Dispute Over Ownership and Control
The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Ontario with Michigan across the Detroit River. Although Canada funded the $6.4bn CAD project, the bridge will be publicly owned by both Canada and the state of Michigan.
However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump considers Canadian ownership of land on both sides of the bridge “unacceptable.” She added that the president wants the United States to own at least half of the bridge, share authority over cross-border traffic, and receive a portion of economic benefits such as toll revenues.
In addition, Trump said negotiations would begin immediately, though he did not explain how he could legally prevent the bridge from opening.
Canada Responds
Prime Minister Carney described his conversation with Trump as positive. He reminded the president that Canada paid for the bridge and that workers from both countries built it using steel produced in the US and Canada.
Carney called the bridge a strong example of cooperation and said he looks forward to its opening. He also noted that Trump asked US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra to help manage discussions related to the project.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed confidence that the bridge will open as planned. He stressed that the project supports the economies of both countries.
US Lawmakers Push Back
Several American leaders criticized Trump’s threat. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that delaying the bridge would damage her state’s economy. She said the move could increase business costs, disrupt supply chains, and reduce jobs.
Similarly, former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder described the bridge agreement as a strong deal for the United States. He argued that blocking the project would mainly harm American interests.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also defended the project, calling it an example of bipartisan and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens rejected Trump’s claim that former President Barack Obama approved construction without US steel. He said the accusation was incorrect.
Background and Broader Trade Tensions
Construction of the bridge began in 2018 after years of debate. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian federal Crown corporation, oversees development of the project.
During Trump’s first term, the Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, urged him to halt construction of the new crossing. They argued that it would interfere with their toll revenues. At that time, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement describing the bridge as a vital economic link.
More recently, Trump linked the bridge dispute to wider trade tensions. He criticized Canadian dairy tariffs and warned that a recent Canada-China trade agreement could hurt Canada’s economy.
In response, Senator Slotkin said Canada remains a close ally and suggested that strained trade relations have pushed Ottawa to seek other agreements.
The bridge, named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, is expected to open later this year once final testing and approvals are complete.
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