- U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to block a new bridge to Canada.
- He demands Canada treat the U.S. Fairly.
- Trump criticizes Canada for not using U.S. Steel in its construction.
- Canada’s recent overtures to China also draw Trump’s ire.
Washington is escalating a trade dispute with Ottawa, as President Donald Trump threatened to halt the opening of a newly constructed international bridge. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries and signals a potential hardening of the U.S. Stance on trade relations with its northern neighbor. This latest development underscores the fragility of the economic relationship between the United States and Canada.
Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would not allow the bridge’s opening until Canada treats the United States “with the fairness and respect” it deserves. He further demanded that the bridge be at least 50% owned by the U.S., announcing plans to “immediately” begin negotiations on the matter. No further details regarding those negotiations were provided.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning the Detroit River, connects Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan. The six-lane bridge is designed to accommodate both vehicular and non-vehicular traffic. Its opening is planned for later this year. According to Canadian officials, the project is fully funded by Canada and will be financed through toll revenue. The bridge is intended to facilitate increased trade between the two nations.
The escalating dispute follows a series of trade-related grievances voiced by Trump. He accused Canada of failing to utilize American-made materials, such as steel, in the bridge’s construction. Trump reiterated his criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent, limited move toward closer trade ties with China. He previously threatened a 100% tariff on imports from Canada in response, and also alluded to potential tariffs on Canadian aircraft.
Trump has frequently employed tariffs as a negotiating tactic, even extending to close allies like Canada. Although some of these threats have not materialized, they contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty in international trade relations. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks between the two countries.
Prime Minister Carney drew criticism from Trump after delivering a prominent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in early January. The speech was widely interpreted as a rebuke of Trump’s “America First” policies. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should be integrated into the United States as a state.
Konstantin Furrer (fur) has worked for 20 Minuten since 2017. He has been Newsdesk Manager since 2022, and is also a page editor and member of the editorial board.
