U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a threat to delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is set to be the newest border crossing connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. Trump stated in a recent post that he will not allow the bridge to open until the United States is adequately compensated and Canada treats the U.S. fairly and respectfully. The White House has been contacted for further clarification, but no response was received as of Monday night.
In a lengthy statement, Trump criticized Canada for allegedly treating the U.S. unfairly for years, expressed dissatisfaction with the minimal U.S. involvement in the bridge’s construction, and reiterated his disapproval of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to negotiate a trade deal with China. Trump argued that the U.S. should have a significant ownership stake in the bridge considering the contributions made.
Although the $6.4 billion cost of the Gordie Howe bridge was fully covered by the Canadian federal government, the ownership structure involves both Canada and the state of Michigan. Construction on the six-lane bridge began in 2018 and is nearing completion, with final testing and inspections expected to finish soon for an anticipated opening early this year.
The Gordie Howe Bridge has been a subject of legal disputes between the American owners of the existing Ambassador Bridge and the federal government for over a decade. Despite initial resistance from the Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, President Trump had endorsed the construction of the new bridge in 2017, emphasizing its importance as a crucial economic link between the two countries.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens refuted some of Trump’s claims, highlighting that U.S. steel was utilized in the construction process from the Michigan side of the river. Dilkens criticized Trump’s statements and expressed hope for potential changes following the upcoming midterms.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer defended the Gordie Howe Bridge, emphasizing its positive impact on job creation for unionized workers on both sides of the border. The governor’s office highlighted the project’s bipartisan and international collaboration, underscoring its significance for Michigan’s economy and the auto industry.
Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat representing Michigan, condemned Trump’s threat to block the bridge, warning of detrimental effects on the state’s economy. Slotkin criticized Trump’s approach towards Canada and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the neighboring country.
Trump’s recent actions towards Canada, including threats of tariffs and economic repercussions, coincide with the ongoing renegotiations of the CUSMA trade agreement. While Trump has made several threats on social media, the actual implementation of these measures remains pending. The president holds the authority to potentially halt the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge through executive action.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the iconic hockey player, is expected to enhance border crossing efficiency for commercial vehicles, reducing wait times and saving significant hours for truck transportation annually, according to an economic impact assessment commissioned for the project.