OTTAWA — U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. In a social media post on Monday, Trump threatened to prevent the bridge from opening unless the United States receives compensation. He emphasized that the U.S. should own “at least one half of this asset,” alleging that Canada has historically treated the U.S. “very unfairly.”
Trump claimed that Canada holds ownership of both sides of the bridge despite it being built with “virtually no U.S. content.” However, the Government of Canada states that it is funding the entire $6.4 billion project, which was increased from an initial estimate of $5.7 billion. The bridge is meant to be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan.
Candace Laing, the president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, criticized Trump's stance, suggesting that “blocking or barricading bridges is a self-defeating move.” She acknowledged that the Trump administration had previously recognized the bridge as a priority project in a joint statement from 2017. Laing stressed that modern border infrastructure plays a crucial role in bolstering shared economic security between the two nations, remarking, “The path forward isn’t deconstructing established trade corridors; it’s actually building bridges.”
Stacey LaRouche, press secretary for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, underscored the significance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge for local employment and the state's auto industry. LaRouche noted that the bridge’s construction was financed by Canada and built by union labor from both sides of the border, representing a strong example of bipartisan and international cooperation. She affirmed, “It’s going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting.”
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin also expressed concerns, stating that canceling the project would have “serious repercussions,” resulting in higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and ultimately fewer jobs. She criticized Trump for using the bridge situation as a means to punish Michiganders for a trade war initiated by the administration.
The inception of the bridge project can be traced back to 2012 when former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced its construction, which officially began in 2018. The bridge is named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings. The Government of Canada has highlighted the bridge as a vital addition to one of the busiest Canada-U.S. commercial border crossings, asserting that it will generate a significant number of permanent jobs for its operation and maintenance upon completion. Moreover, the bridge is anticipated to enhance trade capacity and promote investment between the two countries, thereby supporting the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship.
Furthermore, former Canadian Governor General Michaëlle Jean and her husband, filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond, have created a documentary portraying the bridge's construction as a symbol of historical, economic, and cultural ties between Windsor and Detroit. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens recently reiterated the city’s role as an international gateway, asserting that the new bridge will serve as “another strong link within our storied ‘Two-Nation Destination.’”
