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President Trump on Monday warned that he could block the opening of a long-awaited bridge between the United States and Canada, escalating tensions with Ottawa amid trade disputes and broader diplomatic friction.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which spans the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is expected to open in early 2026 after years of construction and testing. Funded by the Canadian government, the crossing is designed to ease congestion and support billions of dollars in daily trade between the two countries.
In a social media post, Mr. Trump said he would not allow the bridge to open until Canada treated the United States with what he called fairness and respect, arguing that Washington had not been adequately compensated for past economic concessions. He also suggested that the United States should seek ownership of at least half of the bridge and share in future toll revenue.
It was unclear what authority the president could use to stop the opening. While Canada financed construction, the bridge is to be jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan under a public arrangement. Any move to close or delay a border crossing would likely require extraordinary legal justification.
The threat revived a long-running dispute tied to the nearby Ambassador Bridge, a privately owned crossing that currently handles much of the region's commercial traffic. Its owners have opposed the new bridge for years, warning that competition could undermine their toll revenues.
Canadian officials offered no immediate public response, but business groups cautioned that blocking a major trade route would harm both economies. The bridge has been promoted by leaders on both sides of the border as a critical infrastructure project and a symbol of economic interdependence.
Mr. Trump had supported the project during his first term, calling it a vital link for manufacturing and supply chains. His latest comments, however, align with a tougher posture toward Canada that has included tariffs, threats of additional sanctions and sharp rhetoric.
Major construction on the bridge is complete, and final testing is underway. Local leaders in Michigan and Ontario have expressed confidence that the crossing will open.
