Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening

Michigan economist warns of long-term risks in U.S.-Canada dispute over border crossing

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Michigan and Ontario on Truth Social, citing unfair treatment of the U.S. by Canada. While some leaders support Trump's strategy, others warn it could harm both economies and damage the U.S.-Canada relationship long-term.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a critical commercial border crossing, handling over $1 billion in trade every four days. Blocking its opening could significantly disrupt trade and commerce between the U.S. and Canada, two of the world's largest trading partners. However, experts warn that using the bridge as leverage could backfire and make future joint projects more difficult.

The details

President Trump claimed Canada has treated the U.S. unfairly for decades and said he will not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is "fully compensated" and Canada treats the U.S. with "fairness and respect." Windsor's mayor emphasized the bridge's importance, while Michigan's House Speaker supported Trump's strategy as a way to renegotiate better deals. However, a University of Michigan-Flint economist warned that any economic benefit to the U.S. would be minimal compared to the annual bridge revenue, and that damaging the U.S.-Canada relationship could hurt future cooperation.

  • President Trump threatened to block the bridge's opening on Truth Social on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The White House has announced that talks with Canada will begin immediately.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Drew Dilkens

The Mayor of Windsor, Ontario, who emphasized the bridge's importance as the busiest commercial border crossing in North America.

Matt Hall

The Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, who voiced support for Trump's strategy to renegotiate better agreements.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan, who said the Gordie Howe International Bridge is "good for Michigan workers and it's good for Michigan's auto industry" and that it will open "one way or another."

Chris Douglas

A professor of economics at the University of Michigan-Flint, who warned that damaging the U.S.-Canada relationship could hurt future cooperation.

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What they’re saying

“A billion dollars of trade every four days crosses at the port of entries here in Windsor, [and] Detroit.”

— Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, Ontario (wwmt.com)

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about jobs. It's good for Michigan workers and it's good for Michigan's auto industry It's going to open one way or another.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (wwmt.com)

“President Trump is using the right leverage points to renegotiate better agreements. That is smart. He is the ultimate deal maker, and he will make sure Michigan and the United States come out ahead.”

— Matt Hall, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (wwmt.com)

“The revenue that this bridge is going to generate on a yearly basis to pay back the construction costs...It's insignificant money to the Americans. It's probably significant money to the Canadians since the population of Canada is a fraction of the population the U.S., and important to them in terms of rerouting truck traffic away from the neighborhood. So, it could be a strong arm tactic, saying 'well, they really want this bridge. It's a lot of money to them.'”

— Chris Douglas, Professor of Economics, University of Michigan-Flint (wwmt.com)

“Maybe that's a symbolic win for the administration, but it's short-term versus long-term and that does damage the relationship with Canada long-term to get a very small amount of money short term which is a risk.”

— Chris Douglas, Professor of Economics, University of Michigan-Flint (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The White House has said President Trump holds the authority to amend the presidential permit required for international infrastructure projects. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the bridge's opening to proceed.

The takeaway

This dispute over the Gordie Howe Bridge highlights the delicate balance between national interests and international cooperation. While the short-term political gains may be tempting, experts warn that damaging the vital U.S.-Canada relationship could have long-lasting negative consequences for both economies.