Uncertainty has again hung over U.S.-Canada relations after U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could block the opening of a new bridge linking the United States and Canada. Trump maintains that the United States should own at least half of the bridge and share in the operating revenue.
On the 10th, Karoline Leavitt, White House Spokesperson, said, "President Trump cannot accept Canada controlling passage on the Gordie Howe International Bridge and owning the land on both sides of the bridge," adding, "The president believes the United States should own more than half of the bridge, share control of the bridge, and share in the economic benefits."
The previous day, Trump said on Truth Social that he would not allow the bridge to open "until the United States is fully compensated for everything it has provided and Canada treats the United States with respect." He also argued the United States should hold more than 50% equity in the bridge, and claimed U.S.-made steel and materials were not used in the bridge, presenting that as an example of unfair treatment of the United States.
At the center of the controversy, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a large bridge connecting Detroit, United States, and Windsor, Canada, named after a legendary Canadian ice hockey player. Construction began in 2018 and is now in the final stages. The Detroit-Windsor corridor is a key artery for parts and finished vehicle logistics moving between U.S. and Canadian auto plants, and the two countries agreed to directly connect their highways via the bridge to prevent production disruptions and expense increases.
The backdrop to the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is cited as the surge in U.S.-Canada trade following the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). After NAFTA took effect in 1994, cross-border cargo volumes grew rapidly, but the existing Ambassador Bridge, with only four lanes, could not adequately handle the flow.
In fact, the Ambassador Bridge, opened in 1929, is one of the busiest border crossings in North America and has been notorious for chronic traffic jams so severe that trucks waited for hours. In particular, as trucks crowded into parts of downtown Windsor, logistics delays and noise and air pollution worsened, and the new bridge was created as an alternative to resolve these structural constraints.
Under a 2012 arrangement, Canada would bear the full bridge construction expense and collect the tolls to recoup the cost. The United States does not impose tolls on its side, and ownership of the bridge is jointly held by Canada and the state of Michigan. When the building project ramped up, the two countries previously reached agreement on the ownership structure without major disputes.
However, as Trump abruptly shifted his stance, opposition has grown in Michigan. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer argued it is a prime example of bipartisan international cooperation, funded by Canada, built by union workers from both countries, and jointly operated by Michigan and Canada. Michigan Gov. Spokesperson Stacey LaRouche said, "The Gordie Howe International Bridge is directly tied to jobs," adding, "It benefits both Michigan workers and the auto industry."
Concerns are also being raised in the business community. Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, called the bridge "the most important infrastructure project we are likely to see in a generation in our region and state." Baruah said, "It will support economic growth and improve border security," warning that "efforts to block its opening will have serious repercussions for the region, the state, and the entire nation."
Trump's remarks are seen as a contrast with his past position. After a summit with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017, he issued a joint statement supporting the swift completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. At the time, the two leaders said the bridge "will become a key economic link connecting the United States and Canada."
Some observers say Trump is using the bridge issue as a pretext to attack Canada's broader trade posture. In a social media post mentioning the bridge, he also cited ▲ Ontario not allowing U.S. wine and spirits to be sold in state-run liquor stores ▲ Canada easing its trade ties with China ▲ and restrictions on imports of U.S. dairy products, effectively airing a list of grievances against the Canadian government.
In the end, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke directly with Trump on the 10th in an urgent bid to ease tensions. Before a Cabinet meeting, Carney told reporters, "I made it clear that Canada covered the construction expense," adding, "Michigan already holds equity, U.S.-made steel was used in the project, and U.S. workers also took part." He added, however, that "we agreed to continue further discussions with President Trump on some issues," without disclosing specific terms.