Michigan Officials Defend Gordie Howe Bridge After Trump Threat

Speaker Hall supports President's push for better trade terms with Canada

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Michigan officials, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and House Speaker Matt Hall, have responded after President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit unless Canada "fully compensates" the U.S. and turns over at least half of the bridge's ownership. Whitmer said the bridge is an important part of the state's economy and must move forward, while Hall backed Trump's approach to securing fair trade deals with Canada.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the busiest trade crossing in North America, connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. Its completion is crucial for Michigan's economy and the auto industry. Trump's threat to block the bridge's opening raises concerns about potential trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada.

The details

Trump claimed the U.S. gave Canada a "waiver" to bypass the "Buy American Act" and not use American products, including steel, in the bridge's construction. However, Whitmer said Canada paid for the bridge, which was built with organized and union labor from both sides of the border. Speaker Hall supports Trump's push for better trade terms with Canada, saying the U.S. holds leverage and Canada should offer fairer deals, especially for American farmers and liquor producers.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open in 2026.
  • Construction on the bridge began in 2018.

The players

Gretchen Whitmer

The Democratic governor of Michigan who is in conversations with the Trump administration about the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Matt Hall

The Republican Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives who supports President Trump's approach to securing fair trade deals with Canada.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada "fully compensates" the U.S. and turns over at least half of the bridge's ownership.

Rick Snyder

The former Republican governor of Michigan who negotiated the deal for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Pete Hoekstra

The former U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands who Whitmer says has done "hard work" that gives the U.S. leverage in trade negotiations with Canada.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump is using the right leverage points to renegotiate better agreements. That is smart. He is the ultimate deal maker, and he will make sure Michigan and the United States come out ahead.”

— Matt Hall, Michigan Speaker of the House (wwmt.com)

“It is a really important part of our economy, the largest crossing in North America, so it is important that it continues to move forward and open on time and that's my expectation.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The Trump administration and Michigan officials, including Governor Whitmer and Speaker Hall, will continue discussions about the Gordie Howe International Bridge and potential trade negotiations with Canada.

The takeaway

The dispute over the Gordie Howe International Bridge highlights the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, with the bridge's completion being a crucial economic interest for Michigan. The situation underscores the need for continued bipartisan and international cooperation to resolve trade issues and ensure the bridge's timely opening.