Trump threatens to halt Detroit-Canada bridge over trade disputes
President Trump said he would not allow a new international bridge between Canada and the United States to open unless the U.S. is “fully compensated,” criticizing Canada’s trade practices and the project’s ownership.
The bridge Trump referenced Monday is the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Ontario and Michigan.
Trump claimed Canada owns both the Canadian and U.S. sides of the crossing and built it with “virtually no U.S. content,” blaming former President Barack Obama for granting a waiver from the Buy American Act that allowed the project to proceed without using American steel or other U.S.-made products.
The bridge, under construction between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is being financed and overseen by the Canadian government through a Crown corporation. Canada agreed to cover the full cost of construction after years of delays on the U.S. side, with the understanding that toll revenue would be used to recover its investment over time.
In his post, Trump argued that the arrangement leaves the United States with “absolutely nothing,” and complained that Ontario does not allow U.S. spirits, beverages and other alcohol products to be sold on provincial store shelves. He also criticized Canada’s long-standing dairy tariffs and said they put U.S. farmers at financial risk.
“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve,” Trump added. “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is intended to become the second major crossing between Detroit and Windsor, easing congestion at the Ambassador Bridge and strengthening one of North America’s busiest trade corridors once it opens.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
