Trump Blocks Opening of Detroit-Windsor Bridge to Pressure Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney refuses to submit to Trump's bullying tactics over trade tariffs with China.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump is blocking the opening of the new Howe International Bridge that connects Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario as leverage against Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This comes after Canada lowered trade tariffs with China, moving closer to its Asian rival, which has angered Trump. Carney has refused to submit to Trump's demands, leading to rising tensions between the two countries.

Why it matters

The bridge blockage highlights the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and Canada, as Trump tries to bully Canada into aligning its trade policies with the U.S. This could have significant economic impacts on both countries, as the bridge is a critical trade route. It also demonstrates Canada's efforts to reduce its defense-industrial dependency on the U.S. by seeking submarine contracts from non-U.S. vendors.

The details

Trump is using the delay in opening the new Howe International Bridge as leverage against Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has refused to submit to Trump's demands that Canada reverse its decision to lower trade tariffs with China. This move comes after reports that in the 1930s, the U.S. had drawn up plans to invade Canada, starting with the seizure of a strategically valuable port city.

  • In the 1930s, the U.S. drew up plans to invade Canada.
  • In 2026, Trump is blocking the opening of the new Howe International Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is attempting to pressure Canada over its trade policies with China.

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada who has refused to submit to Trump's bullying tactics and align Canada's trade policies with the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“Middle powers, such as his own, must work together to counter the rise of hard power and the great power rivalry, in order to build a more cooperative, resilient world.”

— Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (World Economic Forum)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Howe International Bridge to open, which could further escalate tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, as Trump tries to exert his influence over Canada's trade policies. It raises concerns about the potential for further economic and diplomatic conflicts between the two neighbors, and the importance of maintaining a cooperative, rules-based international order.