US President Donald Trump has threatened to prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major new crossing between the United States and Canada, in a sharp escalation of ongoing trade and diplomatic tensions.
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he would “not allow” the 1.5-mile bridge linking Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, to open until the United States is “fully compensated” and treated with “Fairness and Respect” by Canada.
He added that negotiations would begin “IMMEDIATELY.”
Construction of the more than $4 billion project is largely complete, with testing underway ahead of its anticipated opening later this year.
It remains unclear what legal authority the president could use to block the bridge’s launch. CNN has sought comment from the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Trump also asserted that Canada owns both sides of the bridge and built it with “virtually no US content,” claims that conflict with the project’s governing agreement.
While the Canadian government fully financed the bridge, a 2012 bilateral agreement provides for joint ownership between Canada and the state of Michigan.
The agreement also mandates that iron and steel used in construction be sourced from either the US or Canada.Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC News that US steel was used on the Michigan side of the project, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “insane.”
The comments mark the latest in a series of criticisms directed at Canada by Trump in recent weeks. He has threatened to decertify Canadian-manufactured aircraft, impose a 50 percent tariff on Canadian planes and levy a 100 percent tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa strengthens trade ties with China.
Tensions have risen following Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last month, where both sides announced a “new strategic partnership.” Canada subsequently eased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, while China is expected to reduce tariff barriers on Canadian agricultural exports later this year.
Trump also criticised Ontario’s decision to remove US alcoholic products from store shelves in response to earlier US tariffs.During his first term, Trump described the bridge as “a vital economic link between the two countries” in a 2017 joint statement with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Responding to the latest threat, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan warned of economic fallout, saying, “The President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started. Canada is our friend — not our enemy.”
