Trump Says He Will Stop New US-Canada Bridge Opening

President Trump has said he will stop the new bridge between the US and Canada from opening. He is unhappy about trade between the two countries. Michigan officials say Canada is a friend and the bridge is important for jobs.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

President Donald Trump has issued a public threat to prevent the upcoming opening of a new bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This action comes amidst escalating trade tensions and a series of public criticisms directed by Trump towards Canada regarding economic and trade policies. The bridge, a significant infrastructure project financed by Canada and nearing completion, is now caught in a dispute over ownership, trade practices, and international partnerships.

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Background of the Dispute

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.7 billion project, is designed to enhance cross-border commerce between Michigan and Ontario. Construction began in 2018, and the bridge is expected to open this year after a testing phase. While Canada financed the majority of the project, it is set to operate under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada. However, President Trump has publicly stated that the United States should own at least half of the bridge and has presented a range of grievances against Canada.

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  • Timing of Threat: The threat was issued on Monday, following a period of increased friction between the US and Canada.

  • Trump's Grievances: These include claims that Canada has "treated the United States very unfairly for decades," a lack of US steel used in construction, and Canada's trade dealings with China.

  • Canadian Response: Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials have pushed back, emphasizing the bridge's economic benefits for the US and affirming Canada as a friend.

Key Allegations and Demands

President Trump has articulated several reasons for his threat, primarily focused on trade imbalances and the perceived unfairness in the bilateral economic relationship.

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  • Ownership: Trump claims Canada will own both sides of the bridge and demands that the US receive at least half ownership.

  • US Content: He has complained that the bridge has been built with "virtually no U.S. content," despite reports indicating a waiver allowed Canada to source steel from either country, with Canadian steel being used for the main bridge and port of entry.

  • Trade Practices: Trump has cited issues such as Canadian provinces not stocking US alcoholic beverages, Canadian tariffs on US dairy products, and a pending trade agreement between Canada and China.

  • China Relations: He has also voiced concerns about Canada's developing "strategic partnership" with China, suggesting that China will "eat Canada alive" and leave the US with "the leftovers."

Conflicting Narratives on Bridge Ownership and Operation

The operational and ownership structure of the Gordie Howe International Bridge presents a point of contention in the ongoing dispute.

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  • Trump's Stance: President Trump has alleged that Canada owns both sides of the bridge and suggested it should be a joint ownership where the US holds at least 50%.

  • Official Clarifications: Statements from Michigan officials, such as Governor Whitmer's press secretary Stacey LaRouche, indicate a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada, with Canada financing the project. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is responsible for the bridge's operations.

Broader Trade Tensions

Trump's threat regarding the bridge is part of a wider pattern of strained relations and trade disputes between the United States and Canada. This includes previous actions such as tariffs and public statements by Trump.

  • Tariffs and Retaliation: Democrats in the US House are preparing a vote on Trump's tariffs against Canada. Washington had previously threatened 100% tariffs on Canada following a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Beijing.

  • "Taking Advantage" Narrative: Trump has repeatedly accused Canada of taking advantage of US trade policies and has characterized the relationship as one where the US is not being treated fairly.

  • Impact on Bilateral Relations: The deepening rift between Washington and Ottawa is creating an environment of uncertainty for future cross-border trade and cooperation.

Expert Analysis and Official Reactions

Responses from various stakeholders highlight the significance of the bridge and the complexities of the situation.

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"Canada is our friend, not our enemy." – Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

Michigan officials, including Governor Whitmer and Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, have strongly rebuked Trump's remarks. They emphasize the bridge's crucial role in the state's economy and have pledged to work towards getting the project back on track. The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, has appealed to Trump to halt construction, claiming the new bridge infringes on their toll collection rights.

Uncertainty Regarding Enforcement

It remains unclear how President Trump intends to enact his threat to block the bridge's opening.

  • Completion Status: Major construction on the bridge is complete, and it is slated to open this year following testing.

  • Official Channels: The White House has not immediately provided details on the mechanism Trump might employ. The US Department of Homeland Security officially declared the bridge a port of entry on January 30th.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Trump want to stop the bridge?
He says Canada has treated the US unfairly in trade for many years and wants more US ownership of the bridge.
Q: Who paid for the bridge?
Canada paid for most of the bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.
Q: What do Michigan officials say?
Michigan's governor says Canada is a friend and the bridge will help people get jobs.
Q: When will the bridge open?
The bridge is almost finished and was expected to open this year.