Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe international bridge opening unless US is ‘fully compensated’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to halt the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening, escalating tensions with Canada over trade and infrastructure ownership. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed the Windsor–Detroit bridge is another example of Canada treating the United States “very unfairly,” and called for immediate negotiations to secure US ownership of at least half the asset.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is nearing completion, with major construction finished and testing underway ahead of its expected opening later this year.

Trump targets Gordie Howe Bridge ownership and trade practices

In his post, Trump argued that Canada owns both sides of the Gordie Howe bridge and alleged that virtually no American products were used in its construction. He criticized a waiver granted during the Obama administration that allowed the project to bypass the Buy American Act.

“Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side,” Trump wrote, adding that the US gains “absolutely nothing” from the project.

Trump said he would not allow the Gordie Howe bridge opening unless the US is “fully compensated” and treated with what he described as fairness and respect. He claimed revenues generated by the US market would be “astronomical” and justified American ownership of the trump bridge asset.

About WDBA and construction cost of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Under the Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement signed in June 2012, Canada agreed to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge through a public-private partnership.

As per CTV news the agreement specifies that the bridge will be publicly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan. It also requires iron and steel used in key components to be sourced from either Canada or the United States.

In 2012, the Canadian government created the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). It is a not-for-profit Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada and accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Pacific Economic Development.

WDBA is responsible for delivering, overseeing construction, and operating the Gordie Howe International Bridge through a public-private partnership, and “WDBA will set and collect all tolls.”

The total cost of the Gordie Howe bridge is now estimated at approximately $6.4 billion, following cost increases and construction delays, according to CTV news.

Local officials play down Trump’s threats

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC that he remains confident the windsor detroit bridge will open as planned, calling Trump’s comments “another speed bump.”

“This is just another speed bump that Donald Trump has put in the way of doing good things, not just for our country but for his as well,” Dilkens said.

Meanwhile, the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority confirmed on Friday that major construction is complete and that final testing is underway ahead of the Gordie Howe bridge opening.

Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve as a critical trade corridor between Canada and the United States, easing congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge and strengthening supply chains across the Great Lakes region.