A major infrastructure project meant to symbolize cooperation between the United States and Canada has become the latest flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s hardline trade posture.
The White House is demanding that the United States receive shared ownership and authority over the Gordie Howe International Bridge — a $6.4 billion CAD span connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan — despite the project being financed by the Canadian government.
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared he would not allow the bridge to open until the United States is “fully compensated for everything we have given them,” accusing Canada of trying to “take advantage of America.” He argued that U.S. interests must receive at least half ownership, shared control over what crosses the bridge, and a portion of economic benefits such as toll revenue.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that Trump views Canadian ownership of land on both sides of the bridge as “unacceptable.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described his phone call with Trump as “positive,” but firmly reminded the president that Canada funded the bridge. Carney emphasized that the project was built with steel and labor from both countries, calling it “a great example of cooperation.”
The Gordie Howe Bridge — named after the late hockey legend who played for Detroit’s Red Wings — has long been touted as a critical economic link between the two nations. Construction began in 2018 after years of negotiations and political wrangling. The bridge is being developed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian federal Crown corporation, and is expected to open pending final approvals later this year.
Political leaders on both sides of the border reacted swiftly.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed confidence the bridge would open as planned, while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the project as a model of bipartisan and international cooperation.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that blocking or delaying the bridge could disrupt supply chains, raise costs for businesses, and cost Michigan jobs. Former Republican Governor Rick Snyder, who helped shepherd early stages of the project, called it “a great deal for America” and argued that halting it would primarily harm Americans.
The dispute also revives old tensions involving the Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who previously lobbied against the new span, citing toll revenue concerns.
Trump has tied the bridge dispute to broader trade grievances, including longstanding disagreements over Canadian dairy tariffs and a recent Canada-China trade agreement. In typical fashion, he escalated the rhetoric by suggesting China would “terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada” — a comment widely interpreted as hyperbolic.
