Trump Threatens to Block Opening of Gordie Howe Bridge, Demanding U.S. Ownership Stake and Compensation.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2026 — President Donald J. Trump has escalated tensions with Canada by threatening to prevent the opening of the nearly completed Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major new crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, unless the United States receives what he described as “full compensation” and at least partial ownership of the asset.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social earlier this month, Mr. Trump asserted that the bridge, expected to ease congestion at the aging Ambassador Bridge and boost cross-border trade, would not open until Canada “treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.” He claimed the project used “virtually no U.S. content,” accused Canada of taking advantage of America, and suggested the United States should own at least half of the span given the economic benefits derived from access to the U.S. market.

The White House doubled down on the position, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Canadian control over land on both sides of the bridge was “unacceptable.” A senior administration official added that Mr. Trump seeks shared authority over traffic and cargo, as well as a direct share of economic benefits. Officials indicated the president could amend the federal permit for the U.S. port of entry to delay operations.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a cable-stayed span named after the Canadian hockey legend who starred for the Detroit Red Wings, stretches about 1.5 miles across the Detroit River. Construction began in 2018 under a 2012 agreement between Canada and Michigan, with Canada financing the entire roughly $4 billion to $6.4 billion cost (depending on currency and final tallies) through the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian Crown corporation. The bridge is jointly owned by the Canadian government and the state of Michigan, with Canada set to recoup its investment via toll revenues over decades, after which Michigan would receive 50 percent of net proceeds.

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded swiftly, speaking to reporters in Ottawa after a phone call with Mr. Trump. He described the conversation as positive and reiterated that Canada fully funded construction, with ownership shared equally between the two governments. Mr. Carney emphasized that both Canadian and American steel, workers, and materials were used throughout the project — countering Mr. Trump’s claim of negligible U.S. participation — and called the bridge “a great example of cooperation” that strengthens intertwined economies.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) affirmed that the bridge “will open,” highlighting its benefits for jobs and supply chains in her State of the State address. Local leaders, including Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and the Detroit Regional Chamber, have stressed its importance as a redundancy for the Ambassador Bridge, which handles massive automotive and commercial traffic. The new crossing is designed to reduce delays, support manufacturing integration, and include provisions for pedestrians and cyclists.

The dispute revives broader trade frictions, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and retaliatory measures from provinces like Ontario. It also coincides with preparations for the mandatory review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or CUSMA in Canada). Mr. Trump has linked the bridge to wider demands for concessions, though a White House clarification noted his reference to “immediate negotiations” pertained specifically to the crossing.

Critics, including Michigan Democrats in Congress, have introduced legislation to bar federal interference in the bridge’s opening, citing potential harm to regional commerce. Some point to a reported meeting between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and representatives of the Moroun family — owners of the privately held Ambassador Bridge — hours before Mr. Trump’s post, raising questions about competitive influences. The Moroun family has long opposed the Gordie Howe project, which would end their near-monopoly on truck traffic.

Mr. Trump endorsed the bridge during his first term, issuing a 2017 joint statement with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling it a “vital economic link.” Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican who helped negotiate the 2012 agreement, publicly debunked claims of one-sided ownership, noting the 50-50 split.

Economists warn that any delay could disrupt North American supply chains, particularly in autos and logistics, where just-in-time delivery is critical. The Windsor-Detroit corridor already moves billions in goods daily; added uncertainty risks investment and job impacts on both sides.

The Department of Homeland Security established the bridge as a port of entry effective March 2, 2026, with full operations pending final testing. Canadian officials express confidence in resolution through dialogue, while Mr. Carney has maintained an optimistic tone, even referencing an upcoming Olympic hockey matchup between the two nations.

As inspections continue and opening preparations advance, the standoff underscores the fragility of bilateral infrastructure agreements amid heightened nationalist rhetoric. Whether the bridge opens as planned — potentially later this year — or becomes entangled in prolonged negotiations will test the resilience of one of the world’s most integrated economic relationships.