President Donald Trump said he may stop the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless the United States receives compensation and partial ownership.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that Washington should be “fully compensated for everything we have given” Canada. He also said Canada must treat the United States with “fairness and respect.”
Ownership Dispute Emerges
The bridge spans the Detroit River, connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. It is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe and is designed to ease trade and traffic between the two countries.
Trump claimed the United States should own “at least half” of the bridge. However, official documents from the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority state that Canada financed the entire $4.7 billion construction cost.
According to project details published by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Canada funded the construction and will collect toll revenue to recover costs. The bridge is owned by the Canadian government and the state of Michigan.
Strategic Trade Link
The bridge represents one of the largest infrastructure projects between the two allies. The US and Canada share the world’s longest undefended border and trade more than $2 billion in goods daily, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Officials have described the project as critical for automotive supply chains and cross-border commerce. Once open, it is expected to reduce congestion at the nearby Ambassador Bridge.
Political Implications
Trump’s comments introduce new uncertainty into a project that has taken years to complete. The bridge has already faced delays due to legal challenges and pandemic-related disruptions.
Neither Canadian federal officials nor Michigan state leaders immediately responded to Trump’s latest remarks. The White House has not issued a formal policy statement outlining how the administration could legally block the opening.
The dispute highlights broader tensions over trade and infrastructure cooperation. While both nations remain close economic partners, Trump’s demand for compensation could complicate final preparations for the bridge’s launch.
For now, construction continues as scheduled. Whether the Gordie Howe Bridge opens on time may depend on how both governments resolve this high-profile disagreement.