Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a new bridge linking the United States and Canada, intensifying tensions with Washington’s northern neighbour amid growing trade and diplomatic disputes.
Gordie Howe International Bridge, a 1.5-mile crossing
between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. Construction on the bridge has
been largely completed, with testing underway ahead of its expected opening
later this year.
“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. “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.”
It remains unclear how Trump would legally block the
bridge’s opening. CNN reported that it has contacted the White House, Canadian
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority for comment.
Trump also claimed, incorrectly, that Canada owns both sides
of the bridge and built it with “virtually no US content.”
The more than $4 billion bridge, named after Canadian ice
hockey legend Gordie Howe, is fully financed by the Canadian government.
However, under a 2012 agreement, it will be jointly owned by Canada and the
state of Michigan. The agreement further requires that iron and steel used in
construction be sourced from either the US or Canada, without favouring one
country.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC News that US steel was
used on the Michigan side of the project.“It’s just insane,” Dilkens said in
reaction to Trump’s comments. “I really can’t believe what I’m reading.”
Trump’s remarks mark the latest escalation in his criticism
of Canada, which intensified after Prime Minister Carney urged middle-power
nations at the Davos forum to work together against global superpowers,
including the US.
In recent weeks, Trump has threatened to decertify aircraft
manufactured in Canada and impose a 50 percent tariff on Canadian planes. He
has also warned of a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian goods should Ottawa
pursue closer trade ties with China.
Last month, Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping in
Beijing, where both countries announced a “new strategic partnership.” Canada
subsequently eased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing up to 49,000
units into its market annually, while China is expected to lower tariff
barriers on Canadian agricultural exports later this year.
Trump also criticised Ontario for removing US alcoholic
products from store shelves. The province, like others across Canada, took the
step last year in protest against US tariffs on Canadian goods.
During his first term, Trump praised the bridge project,
calling it “a vital economic link between the two countries” in a 2017 joint
statement with then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Reacting to the latest threat, Democratic Senator Elissa
Slotkin of Michigan warned of economic consequences.
“The President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he
started,” Slotkin said in a post on X. “Canada is our friend — not our enemy.”
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