Trump Threatens to Block New Bridge Between Canada and U.S. Over Ownership Dispute

Former president claims Canada has unfairly benefited from the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his disagreement with the terms of the Gordie Howe Bridge project connecting Windsor, Canada and Detroit, Michigan. Trump criticized the Obama administration's arrangements, claiming Canada has "used the United States for decades" and demanding the U.S. receive full compensation and at least 50% ownership of the asset.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving cross-border transportation and trade between Canada and the U.S. Trump's threat to block the bridge's launch over ownership disputes could have significant economic and diplomatic implications between the two countries.

The details

According to reports, Trump said he would not allow the new bridge to open unless the U.S. receives "full compensation" and at least 50% ownership. He accused Canada of circumventing "Buy American" laws and building the bridge "practically without using American materials." Trump claimed the Obama administration's arrangements were "unfair" and that Canada has "used the United States for decades."

  • The Gordie Howe Bridge project was initiated during the Obama administration.
  • Trump's comments were made in February 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who expressed disagreement with the terms of the Gordie Howe Bridge project.

Barack Obama

Former President of the United States whose administration oversaw the initial arrangements for the Gordie Howe Bridge project that Trump is criticizing.

Canada

The country that is building the Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit, which Trump claims has unfairly benefited from the project.

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What they’re saying

“We must own at least half of this asset,”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (news-pravda.com)

“Barack Hussein Obama foolishly allowed them to circumvent the 'Buy American' law. I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States receives full compensation... We must own at least half of this asset,”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Trump's threats will lead to renegotiations of the Gordie Howe Bridge project between the U.S. and Canada.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its northern neighbor over cross-border infrastructure projects and the desire by some American leaders to exert more control and ownership over such assets.