The Gordie Howe Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit is nearing its long-awaited opening later this year, following nearly ten years of construction. CBC News
Donald Trump has warned that he may block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the long-awaited new border crossing linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The bridge is expected to open later this year after more than a decade of planning and construction.
In a message posted Monday, Trump said he would not allow the bridge to open unless the United States receives what he described as proper compensation. “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,” he wrote.
Criticism aimed at Canada and bridge ownership
Trump made the comments while accusing Canada of treating the United States “very unfairly for decades.” He also claimed the bridge was built “with virtually no U.S. content” and repeated his criticism of Prime Minister Mark Carney for “wanting to make a trade deal with China.”
“With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset,” Trump added.
Canada’s federal government fully funded the $6.4 billion project. However, the bridge remains jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan.
Construction nearly complete
Work on the six-lane bridge began in 2018. According to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, major construction has finished, with only final testing and inspections remaining. Officials expect the bridge to open sometime early this year.
The new crossing aims to ease congestion at the nearby Ambassador Bridge, which currently handles the bulk of commercial traffic between the two countries.
Long legal history
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has faced years of legal challenges from the owners of the Ambassador Bridge, who argued the new project threatened their toll revenues. The dispute stretched on for nearly a decade before construction moved forward.
During his first term, Trump initially faced pressure to stop the project. In 2017, however, he publicly supported the bridge alongside then-prime minister Justin Trudeau, calling it a “vital economic link between our two countries.”
Local leaders push back
Drew Dilkens strongly criticized Trump’s statements, saying parts of the post were factually wrong. He noted that U.S. steel was used on the Michigan side of the project.
“It’s just insane,” Dilkens said. “I really can’t believe what I’m reading.” He added, “The faster we can get to the midterms and hopefully see a change, the better for all of us.”
Michigan officials defend project
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has defended the bridge, stressing its economic importance. Her office said union workers from both countries built the project and highlighted its value to Michigan’s auto industry.
“This project has been a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation. It’s going to open one way or another,” her spokesperson said.
Economic concerns grow
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that blocking the bridge would hurt Michigan’s economy. “President Trump’s threat tonight to tank it is awful for our state’s economy,” she wrote, adding that Canada remains “our friend — not our enemy.”
The bridge authority estimates the crossing will save trucks about 850,000 hours each year by reducing wait times and improving traffic flow.
