Trump Threatens to Block Detroit-Canada Bridge Over Ownership Dispute

Former president demands compensation and half-ownership of new international bridge project.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump said he would block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario unless the U.S. is given compensation and 50% ownership of the bridge. The $4.7 billion bridge project was fully financed by the Canadian government.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that facilitates trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada. Trump's threat to block the bridge's opening raises concerns about potential disruptions to cross-border commerce and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The details

In a social media post, Trump said he would "not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve." He added that the U.S. "should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset." The six-lane bridge was expected to open soon after formal testing and approval.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is expected to open to traffic soon.
  • Trump made his threat to block the bridge's opening on social media on February 10, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless the U.S. receives compensation and 50% ownership.

Gordie Howe

A famous Canadian hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and whom the new international bridge is named after.

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What they’re saying

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

“We should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

What’s next

The Canadian government has not yet responded publicly to Trump's threat. It remains to be seen whether negotiations will take place or if the bridge's opening will be delayed.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada over trade and border issues, even years after Trump left office. It raises concerns about the potential for political interference in critical cross-border infrastructure projects.