U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a threat to delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is set to be the newest border connection between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. In a statement on Monday, Trump insisted that the bridge would not open until the United States receives full compensation and Canada treats the U.S. with what he deemed as fairness and respect. The White House has been approached for clarification by CBC News but did not respond as of Monday night.
Trump’s warning was embedded within a lengthy post where he accused Canada of treating the U.S. unfairly over the years, criticized the lack of U.S. involvement in the bridge’s construction, and reiterated his discontent with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trade deal aspirations with China. The $6.4 billion project of the Gordie Howe bridge has been entirely bankrolled by the Canadian federal government, although the ownership is shared between Canada and the state of Michigan.
Construction of the six-lane bridge commenced in 2018 and has now reached substantial completion, as confirmed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority overseeing the venture. Final testing and inspections are pending, with an anticipated opening scheduled for early this year. The Gordie Howe Bridge has been embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute spanning a decade between the American proprietors of the existing Ambassador Bridge and the federal government.
Trump had previously supported the new bridge in 2017 despite opposition from the Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, who sought compensation for what they claimed was an infringement on their toll collection rights. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens refuted certain claims made by Trump, asserting that U.S. steel was utilized in the bridge’s construction from the Michigan side.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer defended the bridge, highlighting the employment opportunities it has generated for unionized workers from both sides of the border. Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Trump’s stance, emphasizing the detrimental impact his actions could have on Michigan’s economy.
This latest development underscores Trump’s contentious relationship with Canada amid ongoing trade negotiations. While Trump has issued several threats of economic repercussions against Canada, including tariffs and trade restrictions, none have been enforced to date. Trump retains the authority to impede the bridge’s opening through executive action if he chooses to do so. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the renowned hockey player, is anticipated to enhance border crossing efficiency for commercial vehicles, ultimately benefiting trade and transportation between the two countries.