Trump's Threats Over US-Canada Bridge Highlight Trade Tensions

Tue Feb 10 2026 11:50:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former President Trump threatens to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge until the US is compensated, raising concerns about international relations and trade policies.

Donald Trump has recently claimed he would prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the US and Canada unless the US is fully compensated regarding trade. His statements reflect ongoing trade tensions and the historical context of the bridge's significance. While the project, which is primarily funded by Canada, is slated to open in early 2026, Trump's demands highlight a complex interplay of bilateral relations. Canada’s officials have yet to respond to his threats.

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects the US to Canada, unless Washington is 'fully compensated for everything' it has provided to its northern neighbor.

This bridge is a major infrastructure project intended to link southern Detroit in Michigan, USA, with Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and is primarily funded by the Canadian government. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction in a recent post on social media, stating the bridge would not open until Canada treats the United States with the 'Fairness and Respect that we deserve.'

While it remains unclear what measures Trump could take to block the bridge’s opening, he indicated that negotiations would commence immediately without elaborating on the specifics. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open to traffic in early 2026, pending formal tests and approvals.

Construction of the bridge began in 2018, but the project has been significantly contentious for over a decade, owing to various trade disputes. Trump’s comments also revolved around broader trade disagreements, including tariffs on Canadian dairy products, which he described as 'unacceptable.'

In his statement, Trump asserted that the US should own 'at least one half of this asset,' arguing that Canada currently holds control over both sides of the bridge. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, responsible for developing the bridge, is fully owned by the Canadian government, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding its ownership.

Trump's previous tenure saw a joint affirmation with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, recognizing the bridge as a 'vital economic link' between the two countries, showcasing the unpredictability of international negotiations under different political administrations. As trade relations continue to evolve, it will be crucial to observe how this situation develops, particularly as Canadian authorities and city officials from Detroit have yet to respond to Trump's latest threats.