Trump Threatens to Block Detroit-Canada Bridge Over Ownership Dispute/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a new bridge linking Detroit and Canada unless ownership terms are renegotiated. The Canadian-funded Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open in 2026 and is critical to North American trade. Michigan and Democratic leaders warn the move could harm jobs, commerce, and US-Canada relations.
Trump Canada Bridge Dispute Quick Looks
- Trump threatens to block opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Demands at least 50% US ownership and other concessions
- Bridge fully funded by Canada, construction underway since 2018
- Key trade artery between Michigan and Ontario
- Michigan officials say project will open as planned
- Dispute adds strain to already tense US-Canada trade relations
Deep Look: Trump Threatens to Block Detroit-Canada Bridge Over Ownership Dispute
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a new bridge connecting Detroit and Canada, escalating tensions with one of America’s closest trading partners as negotiations over North American trade intensify.
In a lengthy social media post Monday, Trump said the United States should own “at least one half” of the new crossing over the Detroit River and accused Canada of excluding US-made steel from the project. He warned that the bridge could be prevented from opening unless his demands are met.
“We will start negotiations immediately,” Trump wrote, arguing that the United States would otherwise gain little from the project.
A Critical Trade Link
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to ease congestion between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, relieving pressure on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. The bridge is named after legendary hockey star Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Construction began in 2018 following negotiations led by former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican. The project is fully financed by the Canadian government, with the expectation that toll revenue will eventually reimburse Canada for the cost. According to the project’s website, the bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026.
While Canada paid for construction, the bridge is set to operate under a joint agreement between Canada and the state of Michigan.
Unclear Authority to Block Opening
It remains unclear how Trump could legally block the bridge from opening. The White House did not immediately provide details on what authority the president might invoke, and the Canadian Embassy in Washington declined to comment.
The threat comes as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement faces a mandatory review this year. Trump has adopted a confrontational posture ahead of the talks, including renewed tariff threats. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has recently criticized what he calls economic coercion by the United States.
Michigan Pushback
Michigan leaders from both parties warned that blocking the bridge would damage the state’s economy. Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin called the project a major economic benefit.
“You’ll be able to move cargo from Montreal to Miami without stopping at a single traffic light,” Slotkin said. “Threatening this bridge shows a complete misunderstanding of what’s good for Michigan.”
Despite being a swing state that Trump carried in 2016 and 2024, Michigan has largely avoided the harshest impacts of Trump’s second-term policies. Trump has also maintained a relatively cordial relationship with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, including public praise and joint appearances.
Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche said the bridge remains on track to open.
“This is the busiest trade crossing in North America,” LaRouche said. “It’s good for Michigan workers, good for the auto industry, and a strong example of bipartisan and international cooperation.”
Economic Stakes
Detroit-area lawmakers stressed the importance of uninterrupted trade with Canada. Rep. Shri Thanedar called the idea of blocking the bridge “crazy,” warning it would hurt jobs and business on both sides of the border.
Rep. Debbie Dingell dismissed Trump’s threat, saying the bridge will open regardless.
“That bridge is the largest northern border crossing in the country,” Dingell said. “It means jobs, union labor, and economic security. Canada is our ally, and this bridge is going to open.”
What Comes Next
With construction nearing completion and international agreements already in place, Michigan officials say they expect the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open on schedule. But Trump’s threat injects new uncertainty into US-Canada relations at a moment when trade talks are poised to become increasingly contentious.
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