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Trump vows to block Gordie Howe Bridge until US receives full compensation
Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Ontario and Michigan, would remain closed until Washington is "fully compensated" for past concessions to Canada. The statement, posted on his Truth Social platform, escalates tensions over the $6.4 billion CAD infrastructure project.
Project funding and ownership disputes
The bridge, slated to open this year after construction began in 2018, is entirely financed by the Canadian government but will be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. Trump falsely claimed Canada controls both sides of the bridge, demanding U.S. ownership of "at least one half of this asset."
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian Crown corporation, is overseeing development. Trump accused Canada of exploiting the U.S., writing: "The Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just 'take advantage of America!'"
Economic and political fallout
Michigan officials condemned the threat. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin warned of "serious repercussions," including higher business costs, supply chain disruptions, and job losses. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's press secretary, Stacey LaRouche, called the project a "tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation."
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens dismissed Trump's claims as "insane," particularly his assertion that former President Barack Obama allowed construction without U.S. steel. The Ambassador Bridge's owners, the Moroun family, previously lobbied Trump to halt the project, citing toll revenue concerns.
Trade tensions fuel rhetoric
Trump cited recent trade disputes, including Canadian dairy tariffs and a pending Canada-China trade deal, as justification for his stance. He claimed the deal would "eat Canada alive" and joked that China would "terminate ALL Ice Hockey" and eliminate the Stanley Cup.
"The only reason Canada is on the verge of a trade deal with China is because Trump has kicked them in the teeth for a year," Slotkin countered, reaffirming Canada as a U.S. ally.
Next steps uncertain
It remains unclear how Trump could legally block the bridge's opening, which awaits final tests and approvals. Canadian officials, including the bridge authority and Ontario Premier's office, did not respond to requests for comment. Slotkin pledged to work toward resolving the impasse.
