Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over Ownership Demands
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh diplomatic controversy by demanding significant American ownership of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure project fully financed by the Canadian government. In a social media post on Monday, Trump declared he would prevent the bridge from opening until the United States receives adequate compensation and secures at least half ownership of the critical crossing between Michigan and Ontario.
"We Should Own at Least One Half of This Asset"
Trump's statement contained forceful language regarding the ongoing project. "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 wrote. He added, "We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset."
The former president accompanied his message with an image of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario. This vital transportation link is nearing completion, with traffic expected to begin soon pending final testing and formal approvals. The Canadian federal government has financed the entire project, anticipating that bridge tolls will eventually recover the construction costs.
Latest in Series of Canada-U.S. Tensions
Trump's bridge ownership demands represent the latest escalation in his ongoing criticism of Canada and its policies. The former president has recently:
- Threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if the country proceeds with a trade agreement with China
- Expressed annoyance at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks at Davos that implicitly criticized U.S. foreign and economic policies
- Threatened last month to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian aircraft and decertify new planes manufactured in Canada
Regarding the potential Canada-China trade arrangement, Trump characterized it as particularly concerning. "Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We'll just get the leftovers! I don't think so," he stated in his social media post.
Broader Trade and Agricultural Concerns
The bridge ownership dispute emerges against a backdrop of broader trade tensions between the neighboring nations. Trump also criticized Canada's dairy import tariffs, calling them "unacceptable" and claiming they place "our Farmers at great financial risk."
These developments come as both countries prepare to renegotiate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the continental trade pact that Trump originally agreed to during his first presidential term. The bridge ownership demand adds another complex layer to these upcoming negotiations.
Official Responses and Project Status
As of the publication of Trump's statements, several key stakeholders had not immediately responded to requests for comment. These included:
- The Government of Canada
- The bridge authority overseeing the Gordie Howe International Bridge project
- The Ontario Premier's office
- The Michigan Governor's office
The Gordie Howe International Bridge represents one of the most significant binational infrastructure projects in recent years, designed to enhance trade and transportation between two of North America's most economically important regions. Trump's unexpected ownership demands introduce substantial uncertainty regarding the project's final implementation and operational timeline.
This development highlights how infrastructure projects between allied nations can become entangled in broader political and economic disputes, potentially affecting cross-border relations and commercial exchanges worth billions of dollars annually.
