Trump threatens to block new bridge with Canada in furious rant – ‘we deserve respect!’ | World | News
Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of a new bridge connecting the US and Canada in a furious rant over Ottawa. The US President demanded Canada turn over at least half of the ownership of the Canadian-built bridge across the Detroit River and agree to other unspecified requests in his latest argument over cross-border trade issues.
Mr Trump warned the US could block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge until Washington is “fully compensated for everything” it has given to its northern neighbour. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, he said it would not open until Canada “treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve”. He wrote: “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.
“With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”
The bridge connects the American state of Michigan to the Canadian province of Ontario.
Work started on the bridge in 2018 and it had been expected to open early in 2026.
The project was negotiated by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder — a Republican — and paid for by the Canadian government to help ease congestion over the existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel.
It’s unclear how the Trump administration would seek to block the bridge from being opened, and the White House did not immediately return a request for comment on more details.
The Canadian Embassy in Washington also did not immediately return a request for comment.
The press secretary to the Governor of Michingan said while Canada paid for the project, the bridge will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada.
Stacey LaRouche said “this is the busiest trade crossing in North America”, adding the bridge is “good for Michigan workers and it’s good for Michigan’s auto industry” as well as being a positive example of bipartisan and international cooperation.
“It’s going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting,” she added.
Representative Shri Thanedar, the Democratic House representative of Detroit, said blocking the bridge would be “crazy” and said Mr Trump’s attacks on Canada weren’t good for business or jobs. “
He said: “The bridge is going to help Michigan’s economy. There’s so much commerce between Michigan and Canada. They’re one of our biggest partners.”
Mr Trump’s comments are the latest in a war of words with the Canadian government.
US-Canada relations have increasingly soured during Mr Trump’s second term in the White House.
The United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is up for review this year, and Mr Trump has been taking a hard-line position ahead of those talks, including by issuing new tariff threats.
The US’ economic approach has sparked fury in Canada.
