President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, intensifying a trade row with Canada and prompting criticism from Michigan’s Democratic leaders. Trump declared on Truth Social that he would prevent the bridge’s operations until the U.S. is “fully compensated” by Canada and until Ottawa agrees to fairer treatment of U.S. interests. This dispute emerged alongside Trump’s comments about hockey and Canada-China relations.
Trump’s post accused Ontario of prohibiting U.S. spirits and beverages on shelves and criticized Prime Minister Carney’s dealings with China, claiming it would harm Canada. He demanded negotiations to secure U.S. ownership of “at least one half” of the bridge. Construction started in 2018 to alleviate congestion and foster trade between Detroit and Windsor, with hopes to open soon.
Michigan’s Democratic lawmakers swiftly responded. U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin labeled the threat “awful for our state’s economy,” warning of repercussions such as increased business costs and job losses. Slotkin accused Trump of punishing Michiganders for a trade war he initiated, vowing to keep the project on track.
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, a Senate candidate, emphasized the Detroit–Windsor corridor’s importance to Michigan’s manufacturing economy and called for the bridge’s completion. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell recalled the bridge’s endorsement by Trump in 2017 as a “vital economic link” and urged an end to the “cheap shots” at Canada, a key ally.
U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet stressed the bipartisan support for the bridge due to its economic benefits, including cost reductions. She criticized Trump for threatening the project over personal grievances. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel called on local Republicans to choose between Trump’s chaos and Michigan workers’ interests.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing condemned the threat, stating that blocking bridges undermines decades-long U.S.-Canada collaboration. She highlighted the need for modern border infrastructure to strengthen economic security, advocating for building, not dismantling, trade corridors.
Canada financed much of the bridge, planning to recoup its investment through future toll revenues. Federal officials are finalizing administrative steps for the bridge’s designation as a U.S. port of entry.
