Trump Threatens to Block New Detroit-Canada Bridge

President demands ownership stake in Canadian-funded project, raising tensions over cross-border trade

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Canada, demanding that Canada turn over at least half of the ownership of the bridge and agree to other unspecified demands. The $5.7 billion bridge project, funded by the Canadian government, has been in development since 2018 and was expected to open in early 2026 to ease congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

Why it matters

The threat to block the new bridge opening reflects escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada during Trump's second term, as the two countries prepare to renegotiate the USMCA trade agreement. The bridge is seen as a critical piece of infrastructure for Michigan's economy and the auto industry, with bipartisan support from state and federal lawmakers.

The details

Trump complained that the U.S. would get nothing from the bridge and that Canada did not use U.S. steel to build it. It's unclear how Trump would seek to block the bridge's opening, and the White House did not provide details. The Canadian government funded the project, but it will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge was expected to open in early 2026.
  • Work on the bridge project has been underway since 2018.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is threatening to block the opening of the new Detroit-Canada bridge.

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada, who has spoken out against economic coercion by the United States.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Democratic Governor of Michigan, who has maintained an unusually cordial relationship with President Trump.

Stacey LaRouche

The press secretary to Governor Whitmer, who stated that the bridge will open 'one way or another' and that the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting.

Shri Thanedar

The Democratic House representative of Detroit, who said blocking the bridge would be 'crazy' and that Trump's attacks on Canada weren't good for business or jobs.

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What they’re saying

“We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”

— Donald Trump (ksgf.com)

“This is the busiest trade crossing in North America. It's going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting.”

— Stacey LaRouche, Press Secretary to Governor Whitmer (ksgf.com)

“The bridge is going to help Michigan's economy. There's so much commerce between Michigan and Canada. They're one of our biggest partners.”

— Shri Thanedar, Democratic House Representative of Detroit (ksgf.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.