President Donald Trump has threatened to prevent the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, citing ongoing trade imbalances with Canada. The bridge, under construction for nearly eight years, is set to open this year but could face delays due to Trump's stance on tariffs and Canada's trade talks with China. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer remains confident in the project's completion.
On Monday, President Donald Trump criticized Canada for imposing tariffs on U.S. dairy products, which he described as unacceptable and harmful to American farmers. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk. 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 added, “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.”
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the Detroit Red Wings hockey legend, links Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit and is funded by the Canadian government, with joint ownership by Canada and the state of Michigan. Construction began nearly eight years ago, and the crossing is expected to open sometime this year. It would provide options for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, alleviating congestion at existing border points: the 96-year-old Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor Tunnel under the Detroit River. The new bridge would also create a direct link between Interstate 75 and Ontario's Highway 401.
Trump's threat stems partly from Canada's recent preliminary trade agreement with China, which lowers tariffs on goods like electric vehicles. Following talks between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, Trump warned of 100% U.S. tariffs on Canadian products if a deal proceeds. He cautioned that China could use Canada as a “drop off port” for goods entering the U.S. and stated, “China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life.” On Monday, he further remarked that such a deal would lead China to “terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.”
Trump also faulted the bridge's construction, claiming it used “virtually no U.S. content” and that Canada owns both sides. He blamed former President Barack Obama for granting a waiver allowing Canada to bypass the Buy American Act, avoiding U.S. products like steel.
While the bridge is partly owned by Michigan, Trump could halt operations by withholding U.S. Customs and Border Protection staffing at the port of entry. However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured Michigan's Democratic senators last year that the crossing would be staffed.
Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who met Trump last year, expressed no concern over potential delays. Her spokeswoman said, “It’s going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting,” describing the project as “a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation.”
