Trump Threatens To Block U.S.–Canada Bridge Unless Trade Talks Resume

President Donald Trump said Monday that he would block the opening of a major bridge connecting the United States and Canada unless Ottawa agrees to renegotiate trade terms with Washington.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump targeted the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is under construction and set to link Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario. He accused Canada of unfair trade practices and said the United States has not been treated with “fairness and respect.”

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,” Trump wrote.

The bridge, named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe, is intended to ease congestion at one of the busiest commercial crossings between the two countries.

Trade and China Concerns

Trump said the threat was aimed at forcing Canada back to the negotiating table over tariffs and trade restrictions. He pointed specifically to Ontario’s removal of U.S. alcohol products from liquor store shelves, calling it discriminatory toward American businesses.

He also accused Canada of moving forward with construction of the bridge using “virtually no U.S. content,” arguing that American steel and materials should have been used.

Trump further claimed that Canada is seeking closer trade ties with China, a move he said would harm both Canadian and U.S. interests. He accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of pursuing policies that could weaken North American trade cooperation.

Calls for Ownership Stake

In his remarks, Trump suggested the United States should own at least half of the bridge as compensation for past trade imbalances.

“With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset,” he wrote.

Trump also blamed former President Barack Obama for granting Canada a waiver from the Buy American Act, which generally requires U.S.-funded infrastructure projects to use American-made materials.

Canada Has Not Responded

As of Monday evening, Canadian officials had not issued an official response to Trump’s threat. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project has been a joint effort between Canada and U.S. authorities and is expected to play a key role in cross-border trade once completed.

It remains unclear whether the president has the legal authority to block the bridge’s opening or how such a move would affect ongoing U.S.–Canada relations.