President Donald Trump has stated that the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, will not open unless Canada makes substantial concessions to the United States. In a post on Truth Social dated Feb. 9, Trump emphasized that negotiations with Canada are necessary, pointing out that the Canadian government has covered the entire cost of constructing the $5.7 billion bridge.
Despite Trump’s assertion, it is important to note that the bridge is actually jointly owned by both countries. The Canadian government plans to recover its initial construction costs through tolls collected from bridge users over time. The bridge, which began construction in 2020 following its groundbreaking in 2018, is expected to open early this year.
Trump expressed that he would not permit the bridge to operate until the U.S. feels adequately compensated and until Canada demonstrates the respect and fairness he believes the United States deserves. He voiced concern over what he perceives as Canada’s historically poor treatment of the U.S., mentioning the absence of American liquor on the shelves of Canadian stores since the imposition of tariffs on various Canadian imports during his presidency. Additionally, he remarked that the bridge’s construction involved no American-sourced materials, such as steel.
The president also criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for purportedly negotiating a deal with China that would permit a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada, while lowering Chinese tariffs on Canadian exports. He expressed discontent, suggesting that this arrangement would result in the U.S. receiving only the remnants of opportunities.
The funding agreement, established under former Governor Rick Snyder, involved Canada paying the complete upfront construction costs with a plan to recover these expenses later through toll revenues.
As the situation evolves, updates will continue to follow, particularly in response to any comments from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office.