WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has thrown the future of North America’s newest trade corridor into doubt. On Monday, February 9, 2026, the president warned he could prevent the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening unless Canada gives “at least half” of the bridge’s ownership to the United States.
The bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, is nearly complete after years of construction. Despite being largely financed by the Canadian government, Trump said on social media that the U.S. must be “fully compensated” before any trucks are allowed to cross. He accused Canada of using the project to sideline American materials and claimed the U.S. had not been treated with “fairness and respect.” Will a “bridge blockade” cripple the busiest trade border in North America?
The 2012 Deal and How Canada Paid
The Gordie Howe International Bridge stems from a unique agreement signed in 2012. At the time, Michigan lawmakers declined to fund a new crossing with taxpayer money. To move the project forward, Canada agreed to pay the full construction cost, including work on the U.S. side, and planned to recoup the investment through tolls over 30 years.
The president’s demand has stunned local leaders. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted that union workers from both countries built the bridge and operate under a binding legal agreement. Supporters say the crossing is critical to easing congestion at the Ambassador Bridge, which currently carries about 25% of all trade between the U.S. and Canada. Blocking the new bridge could cost truckers and businesses an estimated $2.3 billion in lost time and fuel in the coming decades.
An Escalating Trade War With Canada
The bridge threat is the latest flashpoint in worsening relations between Washington and Ottawa. President Trump has pointed to several other disputes with America’s northern neighbour:
- Trade with China: Trump last month threatened 100% tariffs on Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney travelled to Beijing to sign a new trade deal.
- Dairy and Alcohol: Longstanding complaints over Canada’s high taxes on U.S. dairy products and limited access for American beer and wine continue to frustrate the White House.
- Aviation Battle: In January, Trump warned of 50% tariffs on Canadian-made Bombardier jets unless Ottawa agreed to buy more aircraft from U.S. rival Gulfstream.
What Happens Next for the Bridge?
Despite the threats, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially designated the bridge as a “Port of Entry” on January 30, with an expected opening in early 2026. Legal experts remain divided over whether the president has the authority to block a project that has already secured all environmental and construction approvals.
Still, the uncertainty alone is already taking a toll. Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that cancelling or delaying the bridge would have serious consequences, including higher costs for Michigan automakers and job losses. As both governments prepare for urgent negotiations, a bridge meant to symbolise cross-border cooperation has become a high-stakes bargaining chip in an expanding trade war.
Key Highlights
- President Trump is demanding a 50% U.S. ownership stake in the Gordie Howe Bridge before it opens.
- Canada covered the full $4.7 billion construction cost after the U.S. declined to fund the project in 2012.
- The bridge is expected to save truckers about 20 minutes per trip and billions in long-term costs.
- Trump is also threatening 100% tariffs on Canada over its recent trade deal with China.
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