February 10, 2026 • Windsor, Ontario, Canada
TRUMP BRIDGE BATTLE: U.S. Demands 50% Stake in Canadian-Built $4.7B Crossing or 'We Shut It Down' - Infograph
President Donald Trump threatens to block the opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge in an escalating trade dispute, demanding compensation and ownership stakes from Canada.
📝 SMikhail
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$4.6-4.7B
Bridge Cost
Total project cost funded primarily by Canadian government
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2026
Expected Opening
Originally scheduled to open in early 2026
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Busiest
Border Crossing
One of North America's busiest border crossings
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Bipartisan
Support
Backed by bipartisan support from Michigan lawmakers
- President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the nearly completed Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor.
- Trump said he would not allow the bridge to open until the United States is 'fully compensated for everything we have given them'.
- In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump suggested the United States should own 'perhaps at least 1/2 of this asset'.
- Trump demands Canada treats the US with the 'fairness and respect that we deserve'.
- The $4.6-4.7 billion project funded primarily by the Canadian government and under construction since 2018.
- Was expected to open in early 2026 to ease congestion and improve freight traffic across one of North America's busiest border crossings.
- Named after the legendary hockey player, promoted as a major improvement over existing crossings, cutting travel times for commercial trucks.
- Its completion had been negotiated under a 2012 agreement and was even endorsed by Trump and Canadian leaders in a joint statement during his first presidential term.
- Trump also criticized Canada's trade practices, including its tariffs on US dairy products.
- Criticized Canada's refusal to stock some American beverages, and its recent negotiations with China.
- The threat is part of broader trade disputes with Canada, including threats of high tariffs.
- Trump has criticized Ottawa's ties with China, which have strained relations further.
- Michigan Senator Elyssa Slotkin described the infrastructure project as incredibly important to the state's economy.
- Slotkin warned cancelling it would mean 'higher costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and potentially fewer jobs'.
- Michigan lawmakers from both parties warned that blocking or delaying the bridge's opening could have serious economic consequences.
- Other officials noted the bridge has been backed by bipartisan support and is seen as vital for regional trade.
KEY QUOTES
"The United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them and until Canada treats the US with the fairness and respect that we deserve."
"The United States should own perhaps at least 1/2 of this asset, arguing that the US market generates astronomical revenues that Ottawa should share."
"Cancelling it would mean higher costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and potentially fewer jobs." - Michigan Senator Elyssa Slotkin
"Blocking or delaying the bridge's opening could have serious economic consequences." - Michigan lawmakers
"The threat underscores growing friction between the two neighbors over trade, ownership, and economic policy."
Gordie Howe International Bridge
US-Canada trade dispute
President Donald Trump
Michigan infrastructure
border crossing
Canada-US relations
trade tariffs
bipartisan opposition
supply chain
economic integration
Windsor-Detroit crossing
Truth Social