Trump Threatens to Block Opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge Over Trade Disputes

Former president accuses Canada of unfair trade practices and demands 'full compensation' before allowing new bridge to open.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:23pm

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Former President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions with Canada, leveling accusations of unfair practices and threatening to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. Trump's escalating rhetoric, delivered via his Truth Social platform, centers on longstanding grievances regarding dairy tariffs, the Buy American Act, and Canada's potential trade dealings with China.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a major infrastructure project intended to strengthen economic ties between Detroit, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Trump's threat to block the bridge's opening highlights how trade disputes can become entangled with critical infrastructure projects, creating uncertainty for investors and potentially delaying important regional developments.

The details

Trump alleges that Canada has historically exploited the United States, citing a past exemption granted by the Obama administration that allowed Canada to circumvent the Buy American Act. He also voiced concerns about potential trade agreements between Canada and China, predicting such a deal would be detrimental to Canada. Additionally, Trump reiterated his complaints about Canadian dairy tariffs, stating they pose a 'great financial risk' to American farmers.

  • Trump's recent comments were made via his Truth Social platform on February 10, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has reignited trade disputes with Canada and threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Mark Carney

Prime Minister of Canada, who Trump has accused of potentially making trade deals with China that would be detrimental to Canada.

Gordie Howe

Legendary Canadian hockey player, after whom the Gordie Howe International Bridge is named.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is currently scheduled to open in 2024, but Trump's threat to block the opening could delay the project if trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada remain unresolved.

The takeaway

Trump's recent actions signal a potential resurgence of protectionist trade policies, which could have far-reaching consequences for international commerce and infrastructure development. This highlights the growing trend of using infrastructure projects as leverage in trade negotiations, creating uncertainty for investors and potentially delaying critical regional projects.