DETROIT, MI (WKZO AM/FM)) – President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge , demanding that Canada grant the United States a 50% ownership stake and provide “full compensation” for past dealings before the $6.4 billion project is allowed to commence operations.
The president’s ultimatum, issued late Monday via Truth Social, marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the two nations. The bridge, which spans the Detroit River to connect Michigan and Ontario, was slated to open in early 2026 after nearly eight years of construction.
The president linked the bridge opening to broader issues, including Canadian dairy tariffs and a recent trade agreement between Canada and China.
The threat sparked immediate pushback from Michigan leaders and Canadian officials. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office described the bridge as a “tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation” and asserted it would open “one way or another”.
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that blocking the crossing would cause “higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and ultimately, fewer jobs”.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly spoke with Trump on Tuesday to clarify that the bridge is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan and that steel from both countries was utilized during its construction.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority noted that while major construction is complete, the project is currently in the final “commissioning and testing” phase to ensure safety and operational readiness.
The bridge is designed to relieve congestion at the Ambassador Bridge, currently the busiest trade crossing in North America. Legal experts remain uncertain how the president might formally block the opening, though some suggest he could attempt to declare a national emergency to close the port of entry.
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