Trump Threatens to Block New Detroit-Canada Bridge Opening

President demands economic concessions from Canada before allowing Gordie Howe International Bridge to open.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a 290-word post on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump threatened to prevent the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario unless Canada agrees to economic concessions that he believes will benefit the U.S. Trump claimed Canada has "treated the United States unfairly for decades" and said he will not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is "fully compensated" and Canada "treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a vital economic link between the U.S. and Canada, with the potential to boost trade and commerce. Trump's threat to block its opening could have serious repercussions, including higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and fewer jobs. This move also threatens to further strain the economic relationship between the two countries.

The details

Trump's demands include getting "at least half" ownership of the bridge, which is currently jointly owned by the U.S. and Canada, as well as compensation for U.S. dairy tariffs and the use of American products in the bridge's construction. He also criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for considering a trade deal with China. Democratic lawmakers in Michigan have pushed back, warning that canceling the bridge project would have "serious repercussions" for the state's economy.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge is slated to open sometime early in 2026.
  • Trump made his threat in a post on his Truth Social platform on February 9, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is threatening to block the opening of the new Detroit-Canada bridge unless Canada meets his economic demands.

Mark Carney

The current Prime Minister of Canada, whom Trump criticized for considering a trade deal with China.

Elissa Slotkin

A Democratic U.S. Senator who pushed back against Trump's threat, warning that canceling the bridge project would have "serious repercussions" for Michigan's economy.

Haley Stevens

A Democratic U.S. Congresswoman who urged Trump to "stop playing games with our jobs and our economy" in regards to the bridge project.

Curtis Hertel

The chairperson of the Michigan Democratic Party, who called the bridge "a monumental bi-partisan win for Michigan's auto industry, economy and our workers."

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What they’re saying

“Whether this proves real or simply threatened to keep uncertainty high — blocking or barricading bridges is a self-defeating move. Through decades of collaboration, Canada and the United States build things together, create jobs together and compete globally together. … The path forward isn't deconstructing established trade corridors; it's actually building bridges.”

— Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

“With this threat, the President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started. The only reason Canada is on the verge of a trade deal with China is because President Trump has kicked them in the teeth for a year. The President's agenda for personal retribution should not come before what's best for us.”

— Elissa Slotkin, Democratic U.S. Senator

What’s next

The judge overseeing the legal dispute over the bridge's ownership and construction will likely have to rule on Trump's demands before the bridge can officially open.

The takeaway

Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening unless Canada meets his economic demands highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the potential for political posturing to undermine critical infrastructure projects that benefit both nations. Resolving this dispute through diplomacy and compromise will be crucial for maintaining the strong economic ties between the U.S. and Canada.