On Monday, President Donald Trump issued a threat to block the impending opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is currently under construction across the Detroit River. Trump's demands include that Canada relinquish at least half of the bridge’s ownership and comply with unspecified conditions related to cross-border trade. In a lengthy social media post, he expressed his grievances, complaining that the bridge would not benefit the United States and that it was constructed without the use of American steel.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after a celebrated Canadian hockey player, was projected to open in early 2026. The project is funded by the Canadian government and aims to alleviate traffic congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel. The construction work for the bridge has been ongoing since 2018, having been negotiated by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican.
It remains uncertain how Trump intends to obstruct the bridge's opening, as neither the White House nor the Canadian Embassy provided immediate comments when inquiries were made. This threat comes amid increasingly fractious relations between the U.S. and Canada, particularly as the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is set for review this year. Trump's aggressive stance on trade matters has included recent tariff threats against Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly condemned what he perceives as economic coercion from the U.S. In response to Trump's comments, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin highlighted that the bridge project represents a significant boost to the state's economy, emphasized by the facilitation of cargo transport from Montreal to Miami without delays. She criticized Trump’s stance as detrimental to Michigan’s interests, arguing that his reactive behavior undermines beneficial relations with Canada.
Despite Trump’s threats, Michigan has not felt the full impact of his second-term policies, which have primarily targeted blue states with stringent immigration raids and cuts to infrastructure funding. Interestingly, Trump has maintained a surprisingly cordial dynamic with Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, even praising her publicly during an Oval Office meeting last April.
According to Stacey LaRouche, press secretary to Governor Whitmer, while Canada funded the project, the bridge will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada. LaRouche referred to the bridge as the busiest trade crossing in North America, stressing its importance for Michigan's workforce and automotive industry. She indicated confidence that the bridge would eventually open, stating that the governor looked forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Detroit Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar labeled Trump’s suggestion to block the bridge as “crazy,” pointing out the negative consequences such a move could have on business and employment in Michigan. He further described Canada as one of the state’s largest trading partners and emphasized the mutual economic benefits that the bridge would bring.
Representative Debbie Dingell, also a Democrat, dismissed Trump’s threats and reaffirmed her anticipation for the bridge’s completion in the spring. She stressed its significance as a crucial crossing on the northern border, linked to job creation and economic protection, noting that it was constructed using union labor from both the U.S. and Canada. She confidently asserted that the bridge would open, maintaining that Canada is an allied partner of the United States.
In summary, Trump's recent threats regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge highlight escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, specifically as negotiations surrounding the trade agreement are imminent. Local leaders and officials from Michigan emphasize the bridge's crucial role in boosting both local and regional economies, echoing a unifying stance against the president's disruptive approach.
