Trump Threatens to Block New US-Canada Bridge, but Facts Tell a Different Story

The president made misleading claims about the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, ignoring his own past support and the details of the shared ownership and construction.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump threatened on social media to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, making several misleading claims about the project. However, Trump had previously endorsed the bridge's "expeditious completion" in 2017, and the ownership and construction details show the U.S. and Canada have shared responsibility, with Canada covering the full multi-billion-dollar cost.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a vital economic link between the U.S. and Canada, and Trump's threats to block its opening raise concerns about potential trade tensions between the two countries. The facts show the bridge project has bipartisan support and involves significant U.S. participation, countering Trump's assertions.

The details

Trump claimed Canada built the bridge "with virtually no U.S. content," but officials say U.S. steel and workers were used, especially on the Michigan side. He also suggested the U.S. should own half the asset, but the ownership is already split 50/50 between Michigan and Canada. Trump did not specify what compensation he is demanding, but Canada covered the entire construction cost, which it plans to recoup through tolls.

  • In February 2017, Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement supporting the "expeditious completion" of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
  • The new bridge is expected to open in early 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who threatened to block the opening of the new US-Canada bridge.

Mark Carney

The current Prime Minister of Canada, who spoke with Trump about the bridge construction details.

Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan, whose office confirmed the state's 50% ownership of the bridge.

Drew Dilkens

The mayor of Windsor, Ontario, who stated that U.S. steel and workers were used in the bridge's construction.

Rick Snyder

The former Republican governor of Michigan, who wrote an op-ed correcting Trump's claims about the bridge's ownership and construction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The absurdity is Trump 1.0 takes no issue with the arrangement, wants the construction expedited, while Trump 2.0 now wants to use it as leverage in a trade war he started.”

— Jeff Watson, Former Conservative member of Parliament representing part of the Windsor area (CNN)

“Thousands of U.S. workers helped construct the bridge, port of entry and Michigan connections on the U.S. side, where lots of U.S. steel was used.”

— Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, Ontario (X (social media platform)

“In the construction of the bridge obviously there's Canadian steel, Canadian workers, but also US steel, US workers that were involved.”

— Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (CNN)

“Seventy-five percent, yes, were Canadian steel and concrete, because we're paying for it; 25% was US steel and concrete. Then the interchange going on from the Michigan side, it was all American workers, all American steel, all American concrete. So again, there's fiction, what President Trump says, and then there's true facts that people can look up.”

— Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.