President Donald Trump sparked shockwaves on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border on Monday in response to a threatening social media message that sought to halt plans to open one of the biggest new bridges to join Michigan and Ontario.
In a lengthy message on Truth Social, Trump went after the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a massive six-lane crossing of the Detroit River that has been under construction since 2018 and is planned to begin carrying traffic sometime in 2026. The $4.6-$4.7 billion project, completely funded by the Canadian government through the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, aims to reduce heavy truck traffic, increase security, and increase trade between Detroit and Windsor, Mich., and Windsor and Ontario. But Trump, it seems, was not pleased with this project.
He went on to criticize past decisions — including a waiver from the Obama administration that allowed the project to bypass certain “Buy American” requirements — and accused Canada of taking advantage of the U.S. for decades. Trump also tied the bridge to broader frustrations over trade imbalances, tariffs on American dairy, and Canada’s dealings with other countries like China.
“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, until Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve,” he wrote.
The bridge, which has been named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, best known for his playing days with the Detroit Red Wings, is seen as a step towards providing the area, which currently has aging bridges, including the Ambassador Bridge, which is owned by a toll company, as well as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, with a bridge that will save the economy billions of dollars in the long term by easing the wait times experienced by truckers.
Reactions were quick. Windsor’s mayor described the threat as “just insane,” emphasizing the potential economic impact of killing the project. “This region and both countries will be damaged economically by virtue of the fact that this project will be put in jeopardy,” he said. Business officials in Michigan have also sounded the alarm about a potential threat to the auto industry.
For now, the Gordie Howe Bridge remains nearly finished, though its grand opening remains uncertain as diplomats, business men, and men and women from across the streets look on to see what happens next.
