Detroit, Michigan – Former President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.6 billion infrastructure project connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, escalating tensions with Canada over trade and investment. The bridge, slated to open in early 2026, is designed to ease congestion and improve border security, but Trump claims the U.S. Has not been adequately “compensated” for past concessions to Canada.
Trump’s threat, delivered via his Truth Social platform on Monday, alleges Canada has treated the U.S. “very unfairly for decades.” He specifically criticized the fact that the bridge was constructed “with virtually no U.S. Content,” referencing a waiver granted during the Obama administration that allowed Canada to bypass the Buy American Act. As reported by USA Today, Trump also demanded 50% ownership of the bridge, stating, “With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”
The Gordie Howe International Bridge was approved in 2014 and is financed almost entirely by the Canadian government. According to the CBC, the $6.4 billion cost will be recouped through toll revenue and ongoing payments over the next 36 years. Michigan’s former Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, authorized Canada to cover most of the costs in 2012, bypassing the state legislature.
The escalating dispute extends beyond the bridge itself. Trump’s outburst comes amid growing concerns over a potential trade deal between Canada and China. He has repeatedly criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pursuit of such an agreement, warning that China will “eat Canada alive” and the U.S. Will be left with “the leftovers.” Trump previously threatened a 100% tariff on Canada if it proceeded with the deal, and has long voiced grievances over Canadian dairy policies and restrictions on American alcoholic beverages.
The timing of Trump’s threat also coincides with an upcoming review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade deal intended to protect Canada from the full impact of Trump’s tariffs. Blocking the bridge could be seen as a pressure tactic ahead of those negotiations.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has maintained a working relationship with Trump, indicated the bridge will open despite the former president’s objections. Her spokesperson, Stacey LaRouche, stated the bridge is “going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting.”
But, other Michigan lawmakers expressed concern. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, warned that cancelling the project would have “serious repercussions,” including higher costs for businesses and fewer jobs. The New York Times reported that Representative Shri Thanedar, a Democrat representing Detroit, called blocking the bridge “crazy,” emphasizing the economic benefits of cross-border commerce.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates the bridge will save $12.7 million annually for travelers by reducing congestion and travel time. It will also be the only border crossing with provisions for pedestrians and cyclists, offering six lanes for vehicles compared to the four lanes of the Ambassador Bridge.
As of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s threat or the potential mechanisms for blocking the bridge’s opening. The future of the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains uncertain as the situation continues to develop.
