President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions with Canada by threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In a combative Truth Social post, the President demanded that the United States receive “full compensation” and a 50% ownership stake in the $4.7 billion infrastructure project before he permits it to begin operations.
The bridge, which is currently nearing completion and expected to open later this year, connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario. It is set to be the largest cable-stayed bridge in North America and a vital artery for the continent’s busiest trade corridor.
The Core of the Dispute
The President’s criticism centers on the financing and construction history of the project, which was negotiated over a decade ago.
Ownership Conflict: Although the bridge connects the two countries, it was financed entirely by the Canadian federal government. Trump argued it is “unfair” that Canada owns both sides of the asset and claimed the U.S. should own at least half because the bridge’s revenue will be driven by access to the U.S. market.
The “Buy American” Waiver: Trump blasted the Obama administration for granting Canada a waiver from the Buy American Act. He alleged the bridge was built with “virtually no U.S. content,” specifically targeting the use of non-American steel.
Negotiation Demands: “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,” Trump wrote, adding that Washington would initiate talks “IMMEDIATELY.”
Project Facts and Economic Stakes
The bridge is managed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a Canadian Crown corporation.
| Metric | Detail |
| Total Cost | ~$4.7 Billion (Financed by Canada) |
| Recovery Plan | Canada to recoup costs through toll revenues over several decades. |
| Trade Impact | Handles ~25% of all surface trade between the US and Canada. |
| Efficiency Gain | Projected to save truckers 20 minutes per trip ($2.3B in savings over 30 years). |
| Current Status | 90% complete; designated as an official port of entry by DHS in Jan 2026. |
Broader Political Context
The bridge threat appears to be a leverage point in a wider diplomatic rift between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The China Factor: Trump linked the bridge dispute to Canada’s recent efforts to diversify trade with Beijing, warning that a deal with China would “eat Canada alive.” He has threatened 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Ottawa signs a full trade pact with China.
Michigan Politics: While Michigan Democrats like Senator Elissa Slotkin called the threat “awful” for the state’s economy, Trump’s move aligns with his broader “Reciprocal Tariff” agenda and his second-term focus on renegotiating the USMCA.
Regional Disputes: The President also revived complaints regarding Ontario’s liquor distribution policies and Canadian dairy tariffs as evidence of Canada “taking advantage” of America.
