President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada until Washington is 'fully compensated for everything' it has given to its northern neighbor. The bridge, which will connect Ontario, Canada, to Michigan, USA, is expected to open in early 2026 pending formal tests and approvals.
In a statement made on social media, Trump emphasized that negotiations would commence immediately, insisting that Ottawa must 'treat the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.' He indicated that while the Canadian government is funding the bridge, it is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
Despite the lack of clarity on how he could block its opening, Trump insisted that he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is compensated. He asserted that Canada has unfairly benefited from agreements with the U.S., highlighting trade disputes and tariffs that he claims have been detrimental.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been a point of contention for over a decade and is estimated to have cost CAD 6.4 billion (£3.4 billion). It is developed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which is fully owned by Canada. Trump has also claimed that the U.S. should own 'at least one half of this asset.'
Previous appeals from the Moroun family, who own the Ambassador Bridge, which also links Detroit to Canada, have sought to obstruct the construction of the new bridge due to concerns over competition for tolls. As tensions rise over trade and relations, Trump's interference could complicate the anticipated opening of this significant infrastructure initiative.}
In a statement made on social media, Trump emphasized that negotiations would commence immediately, insisting that Ottawa must 'treat the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.' He indicated that while the Canadian government is funding the bridge, it is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
Despite the lack of clarity on how he could block its opening, Trump insisted that he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is compensated. He asserted that Canada has unfairly benefited from agreements with the U.S., highlighting trade disputes and tariffs that he claims have been detrimental.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been a point of contention for over a decade and is estimated to have cost CAD 6.4 billion (£3.4 billion). It is developed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which is fully owned by Canada. Trump has also claimed that the U.S. should own 'at least one half of this asset.'
Previous appeals from the Moroun family, who own the Ambassador Bridge, which also links Detroit to Canada, have sought to obstruct the construction of the new bridge due to concerns over competition for tolls. As tensions rise over trade and relations, Trump's interference could complicate the anticipated opening of this significant infrastructure initiative.}
