Trump Threatens to Block Opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Former Michigan Governor Snyder refutes President's false claims about the bridge project.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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President Trump has unexpectedly threatened to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting the United States and Canada, claiming the U.S. should be "fully compensated" and demanding at least half ownership of the asset. However, former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, has strongly refuted Trump's statements, noting that Canada has paid the entire $4.7 billion cost of the bridge and that it is a true partnership between the two countries.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been eagerly anticipated in southeast Michigan as a critical piece of transportation infrastructure, replacing the aging Ambassador Bridge. Trump's sudden and uninformed threats to block the bridge's opening have shocked local residents and officials, who see the new bridge as essential for the region's economy.

The details

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge is a sleek, modern structure that will connect the U.S. and Canada, replacing the aging Ambassador Bridge built in 1930. The bridge project has been in the works for years, stymied by the Moroun family which owns the Ambassador Bridge. However, in 2011, newly elected Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, found a way to move the project forward through an "inter-local" agreement with Canada, which agreed to pay the entire $4.7 billion cost of the bridge. The understanding was that Michigan would eventually be reimbursed from toll revenues. The bridge is now virtually complete, with only the customs plaza remaining to be finished.

  • In 2011, Governor Rick Snyder concluded an "inter-local" agreement with Canada to allow the bridge project to move forward.
  • On February 10, 2026, President Trump threatened to block the bridge's opening until the U.S. is "fully compensated".

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has unexpectedly threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Rick Snyder

The former Republican governor of Michigan who was instrumental in finding a way to make the Gordie Howe International Bridge project happen, despite opposition from the Moroun family which owns the existing Ambassador Bridge.

Matthew Moroun

The son of the late Manuel "Matty" Moroun, who bought the Ambassador Bridge in 1979. The Moroun family has donated heavily to Michigan legislators to block attempts to build a new bridge for years.

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce who reportedly met with Matthew Moroun shortly before President Trump's threat against the Gordie Howe Bridge.

James Blanchard

A former Democratic governor of Michigan and ambassador to Canada who has strongly criticized President Trump's "nonsense" regarding the bridge.

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What they’re saying

“We do already!”

— Rick Snyder, Former Michigan Governor (Detroit News)

“If the Gordie Howe International Bridge is delayed or stopped, there actually is one big winner: The Moroun family and the Ambassador Bridge Company. Over the decades, they have spent millions trying to stop the bridge. Why? Every day (the new bridge stays closed) they make much more money at our expense.”

— Rick Snyder, Former Michigan Governor (Detroit News)

“I hate that all your citizens have to put up with this nonsense.”

— James Blanchard, Former Michigan Governor and Ambassador to Canada (CBC)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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