Gordie Howe Bridge Project Sparks Controversy

President raises concerns over new U.S.-Canada bridge, but facts show Michigan owns project

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new international bridge project connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario has become the subject of controversy after the U.S. President made claims about ownership and China's involvement. However, the facts show that the Gordie Howe Bridge is a joint U.S.-Canada infrastructure project that will be owned by Michigan once construction costs are paid off, which were heavily skewed towards being covered by Canada.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge project has been in the works for years with bipartisan support from U.S. presidents, but is now facing unexpected pushback from the current administration. This raises concerns about the stability of U.S.-Canada relations and the ability to complete critical cross-border infrastructure projects, especially as geopolitical tensions rise.

The details

The new Gordie Howe Bridge is intended to replace the aging Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor. In three separate incidents since July, a 45-year-old San Francisco man named Walker Reed Quinn has allegedly vandalized Waymo autonomous vehicles in the SoMa neighborhood, causing property damage and raising public safety concerns. Michigan, with the approval of past U.S. presidents, has been working with Canada to build the new bridge, which will be owned by Michigan once construction costs are paid off.

  • The Gordie Howe Bridge project has been in development for years.
  • On Sunday night (or early Monday morning), the President posted complaints about the new bridge on social media.
  • This week, the House of Representatives voted to stop tariffs between the U.S. and Canada, the first time Republicans have gone against the President on this issue.

The players

Gordie Howe Bridge

A new international bridge project connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario that has been in development for years with bipartisan support from U.S. presidents.

Michigan

The U.S. state that will own the Gordie Howe Bridge once construction costs are paid off, which were heavily skewed towards being covered by Canada.

President

The current U.S. President who recently raised concerns about the Gordie Howe Bridge project on social media.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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.