Trump Threatens to Block US-Canada Bridge Over Trade Disputes
Published 10 February 2026
Highlights
- Former President Donald Trump threatened to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge, citing unfair treatment by Canada.
- The bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is a $6.4 billion CAD project funded by Canada.
- Trump criticized a recent Canada-China trade deal, falsely claiming it would end ice hockey in Canada.
- The bridge is expected to open in 2026, but Trump demands the US be compensated before allowing it.
- The bridge project has been contentious, with the Moroun family opposing it due to toll collection concerns.
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Rewritten Article
Trump Threatens to Block US-Canada Bridge Over Trade Disputes
In a recent social media outburst, former President Donald Trump has threatened to halt the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a significant infrastructure project connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Trump insists that the bridge will not open until the United States is "fully compensated" for what he perceives as unfair treatment by Canada.
Background and Construction
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $6.4 billion CAD endeavor, is funded by the Canadian government and is set to be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. Construction began in 2018, following approval during the Obama administration. The bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2026, pending formal tests and approvals. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, wholly owned by the Canadian government, is overseeing the project.
Trump's Demands and Criticisms
Trump's demands for compensation come amid broader trade tensions between the US and Canada. He criticized a recent trade agreement between Canada and China, making an unfounded claim that it would lead to the end of ice hockey in Canada. "The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada," Trump stated, a claim that has been widely dismissed as baseless.
Historical Context and Opposition
The bridge project has faced opposition from the Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who have argued that the new bridge infringes on their toll collection rights. Despite this, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously endorsed the bridge as a "vital economic link" between the two nations.
Political Reactions
The Canadian embassy in Washington and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office have not commented on Trump's recent statements. However, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that canceling the project could have serious economic repercussions.
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Scenario Analysis
The future of the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains uncertain amid Trump's threats. If the project is delayed, it could strain US-Canada relations further, impacting trade and economic ties. Experts suggest that Trump's demands for compensation may not hold legal ground, given the binational nature of the project. However, the situation could escalate if political leaders on both sides do not address the underlying trade disputes. As the bridge nears completion, stakeholders will need to navigate these diplomatic challenges to ensure the project's success and maintain the vital economic link it promises to provide.
In a recent social media outburst, former President Donald Trump has threatened to halt the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a significant infrastructure project connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Trump insists that the bridge will not open until the United States is "fully compensated" for what he perceives as unfair treatment by Canada.
Background and Construction
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $6.4 billion CAD endeavor, is funded by the Canadian government and is set to be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. Construction began in 2018, following approval during the Obama administration. The bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2026, pending formal tests and approvals. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, wholly owned by the Canadian government, is overseeing the project.
Trump's Demands and Criticisms
Trump's demands for compensation come amid broader trade tensions between the US and Canada. He criticized a recent trade agreement between Canada and China, making an unfounded claim that it would lead to the end of ice hockey in Canada. "The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada," Trump stated, a claim that has been widely dismissed as baseless.
Historical Context and Opposition
The bridge project has faced opposition from the Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who have argued that the new bridge infringes on their toll collection rights. Despite this, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously endorsed the bridge as a "vital economic link" between the two nations.
Political Reactions
The Canadian embassy in Washington and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office have not commented on Trump's recent statements. However, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that canceling the project could have serious economic repercussions.
What this might mean
The future of the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains uncertain amid Trump's threats. If the project is delayed, it could strain US-Canada relations further, impacting trade and economic ties. Experts suggest that Trump's demands for compensation may not hold legal ground, given the binational nature of the project. However, the situation could escalate if political leaders on both sides do not address the underlying trade disputes. As the bridge nears completion, stakeholders will need to navigate these diplomatic challenges to ensure the project's success and maintain the vital economic link it promises to provide.
