Trump Threatens to Block Opening of New Windsor-Detroit Bridge

Former president demands 'full compensation' for what he claims is an unfair deal with Canada.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:35am

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A dynamic, abstract painting depicting the Gordie Howe International Bridge in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and waves of blue, grey, and red, conveying a sense of political turmoil and uncertainty.As political tensions escalate over the new Windsor-Detroit bridge, the project's future remains uncertain.Today in Detroit

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a critical new crossing connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Trump claims the U.S. should own 'at least half' of the publicly-owned bridge and be 'fully compensated' for what he sees as an unfair deal with Canada.

Why it matters

The bridge is a vital international infrastructure project that has faced legal challenges and political opposition. Trump's threats raise questions about the fairness of cross-border infrastructure deals and could complicate the bridge's planned opening later this year.

The details

Construction on the cable-stayed Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018 and is nearly complete, with 98% of the crossing finished as of last year. The bridge is publicly owned by both Canada and the state of Michigan, with Canada funding the entire project and planning to recoup costs through toll revenues. The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, signed in 2012, also waived 'Buy America' requirements, allowing both Canadian and U.S. materials to be used in construction.

  • Construction on the bridge began in 2018.
  • As of last year, 98% of the crossing was finished.
  • The bridge is expected to open later this year.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, claiming the U.S. should own 'at least half' of the publicly-owned crossing and be 'fully compensated'.

Gordie Howe

Canadian hockey legend after whom the international bridge is named.

Manuel 'Matty' Moroun

Former owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge who unsuccessfully appealed to Trump to halt construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

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What they’re saying

“What does the United States get? Absolutely NOTHING!”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

What’s next

The judge overseeing the legal challenges to the bridge's construction will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow the project to move forward despite Trump's threats.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex politics and competing interests surrounding major international infrastructure projects. While the bridge's ownership and funding structure appear clear, Trump's demands for compensation raise thorny questions about fairness and sovereignty that will likely continue to be debated.