What's happened
On February 9, 2026, President Trump threatened to block the opening of the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. He demands the U.S. be "fully compensated" and seeks at least half ownership, citing unfair treatment by Canada amid escalating trade tensions. The bridge, funded by Canada and jointly owned with Michigan, is set to open this year.
What's behind the headline?
Political Leverage Through Infrastructure
President Trump's move to block the Gordie Howe Bridge's opening is a strategic use of infrastructure as a bargaining chip in broader U.S.-Canada trade disputes. By demanding at least half ownership and threatening to withhold permits, Trump leverages presidential authority to pressure Canada amid ongoing tariff conflicts and concerns over Canada's trade deals with China.
Economic and Regional Implications
The bridge is critical for trade and commerce between the U.S. and Canada, particularly for Michigan's economy. Blocking it risks disrupting supply chains, increasing costs for businesses, and costing jobs. Bipartisan local leaders emphasize the bridge's importance, highlighting the disconnect between federal actions and regional economic interests.
Behind the Scenes: Private Interests and Political Alliances
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, have long opposed the Gordie Howe Bridge, fearing revenue loss. Trump's alignment with these interests suggests a blend of political and private motivations. The president's background in real estate and deal-making informs his approach, using project funding and permits as negotiation tools.
Forecast and Consequences
The standoff will likely delay the bridge's opening, exacerbating U.S.-Canada tensions and complicating trade talks. While Canada and Michigan maintain joint ownership, Trump's threats could set a precedent for using infrastructure control in international disputes. The economic fallout will pressure lawmakers and stakeholders to seek resolution, but the political brinkmanship is expected to continue through the trade agreement renegotiations.
What the papers say
The New York Times reveals that Matthew Moroun, a Detroit trucking magnate owning the Ambassador Bridge, met with a Trump ally before the president's threat, highlighting private interests influencing federal actions. The Times quotes Trump’s social media post threatening to block the bridge until the U.S. is "fully compensated" and Canada treats the U.S. with "fairness and respect." AP News details Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's confidence in resolving the dispute, noting the bridge's joint ownership and use of U.S. steel, while also quoting Michigan officials emphasizing the bridge's economic importance. France 24 and Al Jazeera report Trump's complaints about Canadian ownership and lack of U.S. materials, alongside his broader tariff threats against Canada. The Guardian and The Independent provide context on the political backlash from Michigan Democrats, who warn of economic harm and criticize Trump's trade war tactics. The New York Post frames Trump's actions as a savvy dealmaker using construction funding as leverage, while Business Insider UK notes the escalating tensions and Trump's recent tariff threats. Together, these sources paint a picture of a complex dispute blending political strategy, economic interests, and longstanding private opposition to the bridge.
How we got here
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, under construction since 2018, is a major infrastructure project designed to ease congestion on the Detroit-Windsor trade corridor. Financed entirely by Canada but jointly owned with Michigan, it has faced opposition from a Detroit billionaire owning the Ambassador Bridge. Rising U.S.-Canada trade tensions and renegotiations of trade agreements have intensified disputes over the bridge's ownership and operation.
Go deeper
- Why is President Trump blocking the Gordie Howe Bridge?
- What economic impact will the bridge delay have on Michigan?
- How is Canada responding to Trump's demands?
Common question
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Why Is Trump Threatening to Block the US-Canada Bridge?
President Trump has announced he may block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, citing demands for US compensation and fair treatment. This move raises questions about potential legal, diplomatic, and economic consequences. Below, we explore the reasons behind this threat, its possible impacts, and what might happen next.
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Why Did Trump Threaten to Block the Gordie Howe Bridge?
In early February 2026, President Trump made headlines by threatening to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Windsor. This move has sparked questions about the motives behind his actions, the interests involved, and what it could mean for trade between the US and Canada. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this controversy and what it might mean for future US-Canada relations.
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Could the Gordie Howe Bridge Dispute Impact US-Canada Relations?
The recent dispute over the Gordie Howe International Bridge has raised questions about the future of US-Canada cooperation. With tensions escalating over ownership, trade, and political interests, many are wondering what this means for cross-border projects and diplomatic ties. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this contentious issue and what it could mean for the future.
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Will US-Canada Trade Disputes Delay Major Infrastructure Projects?
Recent tensions between the US and Canada are raising concerns about the future of key infrastructure projects, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge. With trade disputes escalating, many are wondering if these conflicts could slow down or halt important developments. Below, we explore the potential impacts of these disputes and what they mean for international cooperation and economic growth.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge, known during development as the Detroit River International Crossing and the New International Trade Crossing, is a cable-stayed international bridge across the Detroit River, currently under construction.
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Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
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Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes and Midwestern regions of the United States. Its name comes from the Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning "large water" or "large lake".
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Mark Joseph Carney OC is an economist and banker who served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 until 2013 and the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.