Trump Escalates Tensions with Canada Over New International Bridge
In a dramatic escalation of his ongoing criticism of Canada, former US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a major new bridge connecting the United States and Canada. The threat marks the latest chapter in Trump's contentious relationship with America's northern neighbor, which he has previously suggested should become the 51st US state.
"United States Should Own At Least Half" of Bridge
Trump declared that the United States should own "at least half" of the still-under-construction Gordie Howe International Bridge, which links the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of Michigan. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Canada of treating the United States "unfairly" and claimed the neighboring country was "not compensating enough" for what America has provided.
"As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades," Trump wrote. "Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no US content."
Ultimatum Issued Over Bridge Opening
The former president issued a clear ultimatum regarding the bridge's scheduled opening later this year. "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve," Trump declared in his Truth Social post. He added that the United States would "start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY" with Canada to resolve the matter.
Trump reiterated his complaint that Canada owned both sides of the bridge and had used "virtually" no US products in its construction, despite the structure connecting the two nations. The $4.7 billion bridge, named after late Canadian-born National Hockey League great Gordie Howe, began construction in 2018 and represents one of the largest infrastructure projects between the two countries.
Bridge Financing and Ownership Details
According to official documentation from the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the bridge was financed entirely by Canada and will be jointly owned by the governments of Canada and the state of Michigan. This financing arrangement appears to be at the heart of Trump's objections, as he believes the United States should have greater ownership and control over the critical infrastructure project.
Broader Foreign Policy Criticisms
Trump's bridge-related threats come amid broader criticisms of Canada's foreign policy direction. The former president specifically targeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's engagement with China, writing: "And now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister (Mark) Carney wants to make a deal with China -- which will eat Canada alive. We'll just get the leftovers! I don't think so."
These remarks follow heightened tensions between Washington and Ottawa after the United States threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canada following Carney's visit to Beijing last month, where a preliminary trade agreement with China was announced. Trump also repeated the controversial claim that Beijing would "terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada," a statement that has been widely dismissed by critics and analysts.
Pattern of Trade Disputes
This is not the first time Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with trade arrangements between the two countries. Last month, during his address at the 56th Annual Summit of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he claimed Canada "gets a lot of freebies" from Washington and suggested the country did not show sufficient gratitude for American support.
Since returning to political prominence in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly clashed with Canada over various trade issues. He had earlier called for the United States to annex Canada, though he has largely stepped back from that extreme position in recent months.
Canadian Response and Global Implications
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, meanwhile, warned at the Davos forum that the US-led global system of governance is undergoing "a rupture," in what was widely interpreted as a veiled reference to Trump's policies. Carney called for mid-level powers to work more closely together in response to what he perceives as instability in traditional international alliances.
The bridge dispute represents another flashpoint in the complex relationship between the two North American neighbors, with potential implications for:
- Cross-border trade and transportation
- Diplomatic relations between Washington and Ottawa
- Infrastructure development along the US-Canada border
- International perceptions of North American unity
As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, all eyes will be on whether Trump's threats materialize into concrete action that could delay or prevent the opening of this significant binational project.
