Trump Threatens to Block New Detroit-Windsor Bridge
U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a key infrastructure project connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, citing concerns over compensation and trade imbalances. The move escalates tensions with Canada and introduces further uncertainty into the project’s timeline.
“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 wrote in a social media post on Monday, February 9, 2026. The statement reflects a longstanding pattern of the former president criticizing trade relationships with Canada.
The $6.4 billion bridge, largely funded by the Canadian federal government, is intended to ease congestion and improve trade flow between the two countries. Construction began in 2018 and was nearing completion, with an expected opening sometime this year. The bridge is jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan, according to the CBC.
Trump’s post also complained that the bridge was built “with virtually no U.S. Content” and reiterated his criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pursuit of trade deals with China. He suggested the U.S. Should own at least half of the asset, given what he described as past concessions to Canada.
Prime Minister Carney responded on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, stating that Canada had fully funded the bridge’s construction, exceeding $4 billion. He also disputed Trump’s claim about the lack of U.S. Materials, asserting that both Canadian and U.S. Steel were utilized in the project, as reported by Time.
“I explained that Canada, of course, paid for the construction of the bridge, over $4 billion. That the ownership is shared between the state of Michigan and the government of Canada,” Carney told reporters. He indicated that the situation would be resolved, but offered no specific details.
The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, signed in June 2012, stipulates that Canada will cover the bridge’s costs and will be reimbursed through toll revenues collected over a 30-year period. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing U.S.-Canada economic relationship, and the market will be watching closely for further developments. According to the AP, the White House has not yet responded to requests for clarification on Trump’s threat.
