President Donald Trump's shocking announcement on Monday has people in Michigan, Ontario, and Washington buzzing with a mix of shock and anger.
In a long, angry post on Truth Social, the president said that Canada would have to make big concessions, like giving up at least half of the span and making other demands that were not made public, before the new Gordie Howe International Bridge could open.
“We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.
During President Trump's second term, the relationship between the United States and its northern neighbor has become quite tense. This is the most recent event in that relationship.
The Gordie Howe Bridge: Years in the Making and Major Economic Impact
The bridge has been in the works for years and is named after Gordie Howe, a famous Canadian hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings for 25 seasons.
The huge project, which started in 2018, is a six-lane cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Detroit River and links Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario.
The total cost was between $4.6 billion and $6.4 billion, depending on who counts and what currency is used. The Canadian federal government paid for everything. Tolls are expected to pay it back over time.
The goal was to ease the heavy traffic at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which are the busiest commercial routes in North America. Every day, billions of dollars' worth of things cross, like cars, parts, and everything else that keeps the auto industry running smoothly.
After major construction was finished late last year, the project is now in the testing and commissioning stage. Engineers are checking the systems to make sure that everything, from the lights to the security to the toll booths, works perfectly.
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There isn't a specific date yet, but plans are in place for it to open to traffic in early 2026. It is thought that better border protection, easier truck traffic, and even room for bikes and pedestrians (the first crossing of its kind in the area) will make it a game-changer. Authorities in Michigan have called it a big win for jobs, the economy, and just getting things done faster without having to stop at stoplights.
Trump's Demands and the Details of His Post
Then Trump spoke up. In his article, he said that the agreement gives the United States "absolutely NOTHING" and that Canada owns both sides (which is not true; Canada and Michigan own both sides together).
He also criticized them for not using American steel or content in the construction. He said that the US should get at least half of the asset because of "all that we have given them."
He also complained about trade imbalances, dairy tariffs, Canada's ban on alcohol in businesses, and even the recent talks Canada had with China about things like electric cars and agricultural products.
He said that talks would start "IMMEDIATELY" and that the bridge would not open until Canada showed "Fairness and Respect" and the United States was "fully compensated."
Uncertainty Over How a Block Could Happen
It's not clear how the president can stop the bridge from opening. The project is part of a deal that was made a long time ago, when Rick Snyder, a Republican, was governor of Michigan and Trump was president.
The White House hasn't said anything. The U.S. side only officially recognized it as a port of entry last month.
It might take an executive order, border security rules, or government permission to block it, but it's not clear what will happen, and lawyers are already thinking about how to make it work.
Strong Pushback from Michigan Leaders and Officials
It's not clear how the president can stop the bridge from opening. The project is part of a deal that was made a long time ago, when Rick Snyder, a Republican, was governor of Michigan and Trump was president.
The White House hasn't said anything. The U.S. side only officially recognized it as a port of entry last month.
It might take an executive order, border security rules, or government permission to block it, but it's not clear what will happen, and lawyers are already thinking about how to make it work.
Broader Tensions and What It Means for the Future
Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, called Trump's comments "just insane," and Canadian officials have been very clear about how they feel about what they see as economic pressure.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has spoken out against these kinds of pressure tactics on the world stage.
All of this adds to the tense relationship between the United States and Canada right now. Trump has been using tougher language and making more threats about tariffs as the USMCA trade agreement review approaches this year.
Dairy protections, fights over softwood lumber, and now these side deals Canada is making with other countries have all made people angry.
Some of the harsher measures that are affecting blue states, like cuts to funding or strict immigration enforcement, haven't happened in Michigan. However, Trump won the state in both 2016 and 2024. This bridge problem puts local economic interests right in the middle.
For regular people in the Detroit-Windsor area, it's personal. Truckers waste time sitting at the current crossings, which raises costs that are passed on to customers.
A new bridge would greatly reduce that, and it would also strengthen supply lines for the car industry, which is very important to both sides, and create jobs in building and maintaining the bridge.
For a lot of people up there, threatening to derail it is like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
It's not clear if Trump's threat will really stop anything. The plan has support from both parties in Michigan, international agreements backing it, and a lot of momentum.
But in today's political climate, where trade and borders are hotly debated issues, nothing is certain. Everyone is waiting to see if this is just more tough talk or if something will actually happen as testing goes on and the possible opening date gets closer.
It's clear that the Gordie Howe Bridge was built to connect two countries, both physically and economically. However, it's also showing how different leaders can be from each other.
Charlotte Reynolds
Political Journalist
Charlotte Reynolds is a political journalist with years of experience covering Congress, federal policies, elections, and political strategy. She provides in-depth analysis and commentary on national issues.
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