(WWJ) President Trump is threatening to stop the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
The opening of the bridge was delayed in late 2025 and was expected to open in early 2026, however no official opening date has been set by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
In a post on Truth Social late Monday afternoon, the President wrote:
As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no U.S. content. President Barack Hussein Obama stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act, and not use any American products, including our Steel. Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just “take advantage of America!” What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won't even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We’ll just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup. 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. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Construction on the $6.4 billion bridge started in 2018.
On Monday morning, officials with the Gordie Howe International Bridge posted a message that said before opening to traffic, extensive testing and commissioning activities take place to ensure systems across the #GordieHoweBridge operate safely, reliably and as designed.
Messages seeking comment were left with the Bridge Authority and Governor Whitmer's office.
In a statement issued Monday evening, Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin said the threat "to tank" the bridge project is awful for Michigan's economy.
“Canceling this project will have serious repercussions. Higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and ultimately, fewer jobs.
“With this threat, the President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started. The only reason Canada is on the verge of a trade deal with China is because President Trump has kicked them in the teeth for a year.
“The President's agenda for personal retribution should not come before what's best for us. Canada is our friend -- not our enemy. And I will do everything in my power to get this critical project back on track.”