Trump Threatens to Block New Canada-Michigan Bridge

President's move could disrupt crucial commercial link between Detroit and Windsor

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Trump is threatening to block the completion of the new Gordie Howe Bridge, a crucial international crossing between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario that is nearly finished and jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. The bridge is seen as a key commercial link, but Trump's sudden opposition comes after a meeting between a bridge competitor and one of Trump's allies.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure that will improve commerce and reduce congestion between the major metropolitan areas of Detroit and Windsor, which form an important North American commercial ecosystem. Trump's threats to block the bridge's completion are seen as disruptive to business interests and damaging to relations with a key U.S. ally, Canada.

The details

The Gordie Howe Bridge project was negotiated and agreed to over a decade ago by Canada and the state of Michigan. Construction is nearly complete on the new international crossing, which will provide an alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge and Windsor Tunnel. However, Trump is now threatening to block the bridge's opening, apparently after a meeting between one of his allies, Howard Lutnick, and a competitor of the Gordie Howe Bridge project.

  • The Gordie Howe Bridge project was negotiated over 10 years ago.
  • Construction on the bridge is nearly complete.
  • Trump made threats to block the bridge's completion in February 2026.

The players

Gordie Howe Bridge

A new international bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario that is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan.

Donald Trump

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

Howard Lutnick

A Trump ally who met with a competitor of the Gordie Howe Bridge project, which may have prompted Trump's threats.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if Trump will follow through on his threats to block the completion of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which could disrupt crucial commercial ties between the U.S. and Canada.

The takeaway

Trump's threats to interfere with the Gordie Howe Bridge project, a vital piece of cross-border infrastructure, demonstrate his willingness to use his political influence to benefit his allies and disrupt long-standing agreements, even at the expense of business interests and diplomatic relations.