Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening, Demands Compensation and Ownership

Former President Donald Trump stated on Monday, February 6, 2026, his intention to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new six-lane project connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. In a social media post, Trump outlined demands for full compensation for the United States, "Fairness and Respect" from Canada, and a claim for at least half ownership of the asset.

Trump outlined demands for full compensation for the United States, "Fairness and Respect" from Canada, and a claim for at least half ownership of the asset.

The bridge, which is primarily funded by the Canadian government and estimated to cost approximately $4.6 to $4.7 billion, began construction in 2018 and is projected to open in early 2026.

Trump's Demands for the Bridge

In his social media post, Donald Trump stated that he would not permit the bridge to open until the United States received "full compensation for everything we have given them," and until Canada treated the U.S. with "Fairness and Respect." He also expressed plans to "start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY." Trump suggested the U.S. should "own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset," citing the "astronomical" revenues generated by the U.S. market. He also claimed Canada did not use U.S. steel for its construction.

Trump attributed the bridge project's approval to his predecessor, Barack Obama, despite a joint statement in 2017 with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in which Trump had endorsed the project. His statements followed ongoing criticisms of Canada, alleging the country had "treated the United States very unfairly for decades."

Trump attributed the bridge project's approval to his predecessor, Barack Obama, despite a joint statement in 2017 with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in which Trump had endorsed the project.

Concerns Over Canada-China Trade

Additionally, Trump's comments addressed Canada's pursuit of a closer trading relationship with China, which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly negotiated after previous U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. Trump stated that China "will eat Canada alive" and claimed that as part of a trade deal, China would "terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup." He had previously threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canada if a trade deal with China was finalized.

About the Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to connect Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, as a six-lane project, with an expected opening in early 2026. Construction on the bridge commenced in 2018. The Canadian government is responsible for financing and overseeing its construction, having funded the project primarily after Michigan's then-governor Rick Snyder accepted an offer in 2012. The project's cost is estimated to be between $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion.

The bridge is intended to alleviate congestion on the existing Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. On January 30, the U.S. Homeland Security Department designated the bridge as an official port of entry.

While Canada funded the project, the bridge is planned to operate under a joint ownership agreement involving Michigan and Canada.

Stacey LaRouche, press secretary to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, stated that this joint ownership agreement involves Michigan and Canada.

Broader U.S.-Canada Tensions and Uncertainty

Trump's statements occur amidst existing strained relations between the United States and Canada. The United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement is scheduled for review in 2026, and Trump has adopted a firm stance prior to these discussions, which have included renewed tariff threats. It remains unclear how Trump would seek to block the bridge from being opened.

Michigan Senator Warns of 'Serious Repercussions'

Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, commented on the potential impact of blocking the project.

Senator Elissa Slotkin stated that blocking the project "will have serious repercussions," including "higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and ultimately, fewer jobs."

She added that Trump's actions would be "punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started," suggesting Canada's potential trade deal with China is a consequence of previous U.S. tariff policies.