The decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to publicly threaten to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge—now nearing completion and built between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan—has sparked strong reactions across Canada.
Political leaders, business representatives, and local officials have sharply criticized the remarks, describing them as dangerous for the long-standing trade relationship between the two neighboring countries. The controversy has reignited tensions at a sensitive moment, given the bridge’s strategic importance for cross-border commerce.
Construction of the bridge began in 2018, and it is named after the legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe. Once operational, it is expected to become the third crossing over the Detroit River, a corridor through which approximately one-quarter of all bilateral trade between Canada and the United States flows.
The Windsor–Detroit trade corridor is particularly vital to the automotive industry, serving as a key supply chain artery for manufacturers and parts suppliers on both sides of the border. Local media outlets, cited by Xinhua and reported by Agerpres, have emphasized the bridge’s role in strengthening economic integration between the two nations.
A Shift in Tone from 2017
During his first term in office, President Trump had praised the project, describing it as a strategic investment that would benefit both Canada and the United States. His recent statements, however, mark a significant shift in tone.
Trump now argues that the United States should own “at least half” of the bridge, despite the fact that the project has been almost entirely financed by the Canadian government. The total investment amounts to 6.4 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 4.7 billion U.S. dollars). Canada assumed the financial risk and responsibility for the project after years of political delays and funding challenges.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States receives consideration for everything we have given and, importantly, until Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect we deserve.” His message was widely shared and quickly became the subject of heated debate in both countries.
Windsor’s Mayor: “It’s Crazy”
Reaction from Canadian officials was swift. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens expressed disbelief at the president’s remarks. “It’s crazy. When I read that post, I can’t believe what I’m reading,” Dilkens said publicly. “It’s just another speed bump placed by Donald Trump in the way of good things being done—not just for our country, but for his as well.”
The mayor emphasized that the American side of the bridge was constructed using steel produced in the United States, underscoring the economic benefits that the project has already brought to American industries and workers. From his perspective, the bridge is not a one-sided investment but a mutually beneficial infrastructure development.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Warns of Risks
Canada’s business community also reacted firmly. Candace Laing, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, warned that blocking the opening of the bridge would have serious consequences for both economies. She described the potential move as “self-destructive.”
According to Laing, the solution to economic challenges between the two countries is not to dismantle or obstruct existing trade corridors but to strengthen and expand them. New infrastructure, including additional bridges, is essential to easing congestion, ensuring supply chain resilience, and supporting continued economic growth.
Financial Structure and Legal Foundations
The Canadian government plans to recover its investment through tolls collected from bridge users. Once the initial costs are recouped, revenue will be shared with the State of Michigan, according to pre-existing agreements. This financial arrangement was established from the outset of the project.
Importantly, the United States federal government did not contribute financially to the bridge’s construction. For this reason, officials in Ottawa argue that President Trump’s recent ownership claims lack legal basis under the current agreements.
A Strategic Project Caught in Political Tensions
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is widely regarded as one of the most significant cross-border infrastructure projects in recent decades. Any delay or blockage would disrupt supply chains, freight transportation, and thousands of jobs on both sides of the border.
The strong reactions in Canada reflect deep concern over the potential economic and diplomatic fallout of the president’s statements. At a time when bilateral trade depends heavily on the smooth flow of goods across shared borders, the bridge has become more than a construction project—it now stands at the center of a broader political and economic debate about cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect between two closely intertwined economies.
