Trump Threatens to Block New Detroit-Canada Bridge

Canada funded the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is nearly complete.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:07pm

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President Trump threatened on Monday to not allow the opening of a new bridge connecting Canada with Detroit, marking the latest source of political tension between the two countries. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is close to completion after nearly eight years of construction paid for by Canada.

Why it matters

The Detroit-Windsor crossing is the busiest commercial land border crossing in North America, so the new bridge is critical infrastructure to alleviate congestion. Trump's threat to block the bridge's opening raises concerns about ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

The details

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge running 1.5 miles, connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Canada has funded the nearly eight years of construction on the new bridge, which is nearing completion.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge is close to completion after nearly eight years of construction.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States who threatened to not allow the opening of the new bridge connecting Canada and Detroit.

Gordie Howe International Bridge

A new cable-stayed bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario that is nearly complete after nearly eight years of construction funded by Canada.

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The takeaway

The threat to block the opening of the new Detroit-Canada bridge raises concerns about ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, and the potential impact on critical trade infrastructure at the busiest commercial land border crossing in North America.