Trump Threatens to Block Opening of US-Canada Bridge, Michigan Lawmakers Push Back

The president says he won't allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open unless the U.S. is 'fully compensated', prompting criticism from state lawmakers.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario, Canada, unless Canada agrees to a list of his demands. This prompted pushback from Michigan lawmakers, who accused Trump of putting his personal grievances over the economic benefits of the project for the state.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a critical infrastructure project that will improve trade and economic ties between the U.S. and Canada. Trump's threat to block its opening has raised concerns about the potential economic consequences for Michigan businesses and workers if the project is delayed or canceled.

The details

Trump complained that the Canadian government built the $5.7 billion bridge 'with virtually no U.S. content' and it owns 'both the Canada and the United States side' of it. He said he will not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is 'fully compensated' and argued that the U.S. government should own 'perhaps, at least one half of this asset.' Michigan lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, criticized Trump's stance, saying the bridge is an 'incredibly important infrastructure project' that will be a 'boon' to the state's economy.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open this year.
  • Trump made his threat in a lengthy Truth Social post on Monday evening.

The players

Donald Trump

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

Elissa Slotkin

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan who criticized Trump's threat and said it will have major negative repercussions for the state's economy.

Gary Peters

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan who said Trump's statement was 'completely backwards' and that the Detroit-Windsor corridor is one of the busiest border crossings for trade in the country.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Democratic governor of Michigan, whose spokesperson said the bridge will open 'one way or another' and that she looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting.

Gordie Howe International Bridge

A $5.7 billion bridge project that will connect Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. with Windsor, Ontario in Canada.

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What they’re saying

“The President's agenda for personal retribution should not come before what's best for us. Canada is our friend — not our enemy… I will do everything in my power to get this critical project back on track.”

— Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (X)

“This is another case of the President undermining Michigan businesses and workers.”

— Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (N/A)

What’s next

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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.