Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Over Canada Dispute

President links Stanley Cup to border crossing dispute, raising tensions with Canada

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has unexpectedly inserted the Stanley Cup into a dispute over the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.6 billion infrastructure project linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Trump is threatening to block the bridge's opening unless the U.S. is "fully compensated" and Canada treats the U.S. with "fairness and respect", also citing an Ontario boycott of U.S. liquor products. The president's remarks have added an unexpected sports and symbolic element to the ongoing cross-border tensions.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion and strengthening border security between the U.S. and Canada. Trump's threats to block the bridge's opening over trade and compensation disputes could have significant economic and diplomatic ramifications between the two countries.

The details

The 1.5-mile, six-lane Gordie Howe International Bridge was approved in 2014 and is slated to open in early 2026. It is being fully financed by the Canadian government, which plans to recoup costs through tolls. In a social media post, Trump claimed he would not allow the bridge to open unless the U.S. is "fully compensated" and also cited an ongoing Ontario boycott of U.S. liquor products. He also made an unsubstantiated claim that China would "terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup" if the bridge deal proceeds.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project was approved in 2014.
  • Construction on the bridge began in 2018.
  • The bridge is slated to open in early 2026.
  • Ontario removed U.S. liquor products from provincial liquor stores in February 2022.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is threatening to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

Gordie Howe

The legendary Detroit Red Wings hockey player for whom the bridge is named.

Ontario Government

The provincial government in Canada that has boycotted U.S. liquor products since February 2022.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“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 (Truth Social)

What’s next

The future of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project remains uncertain as the U.S. and Canada navigate the diplomatic and economic tensions raised by Trump's threats.

The takeaway

Trump's unexpected insertion of the Stanley Cup and hockey into a dispute over a major infrastructure project highlights how political tensions can spill over into the realm of sports and symbolism, complicating already complex cross-border relations between the U.S. and Canada.