Trump's Ultimatum: Threat to Block US-Canada Bridge Opening

Tue Feb 10 2026 11:50:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former President Trump claims he will block the Gordie Howe International Bridge's opening unless the U.S. is compensated for perceived unfair treatment from Canada.

Former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, an infrastructure project connecting Michigan and Ontario. Trump demands that the U.S. be compensated for what he considers unfair treatment by Canada. The bridge, expected to open in early 2026, has been a point of contention for years, fueled by Trump's concerns over trade deficits and tariffs.

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a bridge connecting the US and Canada until Washington is fully compensated for everything it has given to its northern neighbor.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting the Canadian province of Ontario to the US state of Michigan, would not open until Ottawa treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve, Trump wrote on social media.

According to the project's website, the bridge is being funded by the Canadian government but will be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan. It is unclear how Trump could block its opening, but he mentioned that negotiations would start immediately without providing further details.

The bridge, spanning the Detroit River, is anticipated to open to traffic in early 2026, pending necessary tests and approvals. Construction began in 2018, but the project has faced disputes between the two countries for over a decade. It is estimated to cost $6.4 billion CAD (£3.4 billion).

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the US should own at least one half of this asset, suggesting that Canada holds ownership of both sides of the bridge. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, responsible for developing the bridge, is entirely owned by the Canadian government.

Trump expressed his frustration that the Canadian Government expects him, as U.S. President, to allow them to take advantage of America! He stated emphatically, I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them. The Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, had previously appealed to Trump during his first term to halt the bridge's construction, claiming it infringed on their toll revenue.

Despite their earlier collaboration, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once described the bridge as a vital economic link between the nations. Recently, Trump referenced ongoing trade disputes, highlighting unacceptable tariffs Canada imposes on U.S. dairy products.

He also criticized a recent trade deal signed between Canada and China, suggesting it could harm Canada economically. Trump even made a controversial statement that such a deal would affect hockey in Canada, claiming it would terminate all ice hockey competitions and permanently eliminate the Stanley Cup.

While Canada's bridge authority, the Ontario premier’s office, and the Detroit mayor's office were approached for comments, there has yet to be a response.