• President Trump demands Canada compensate the U.S. and transfer at least half ownership of the $5.7 billion bridge, claiming unfair trade practices.
  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge, fully financed by Canada and set to open in early 2026, faces uncertainty amid escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions.
  • Michigan officials and Canadian stakeholders strongly oppose the threat, warning of economic harm to auto industries and union jobs if the bridge is delayed.

President Donald Trump has thrown a wrench into plans for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, threatening to block its opening unless Canada compensates the United States and cedes at least half ownership. The move, announced on Monday, comes despite Canada fully financing the $5.7 billion project, which has been under construction since 2018 and is slated to open in early 2026 to alleviate congestion at existing crossings like the Ambassador Bridge.

According to people familiar with the matter, Trump's demands center on allegations of unfair trade practices, a claim that has drawn swift backlash from Michigan Democrats and Canadian business leaders. The bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is managed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a not-for-profit entity wholly owned by the Government of Canada. It was negotiated by former Republican Governor Rick Snyder and previously endorsed by Trump in 2017 as a "vital economic link."

Efforts to restructure the bridge's operational framework have hit a snag with Trump's intervention, which escalates ongoing U.S.-Canada friction. In recent weeks, Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian aircraft and complained over dairy tariffs and Ontario alcohol policies, citing decades of unfair treatment. "Without a deal, the project could face significant delays, though Michigan officials insist it will open regardless," said one source close to the negotiations.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office confirmed that ribbon-cutting plans remain on track, emphasizing the bridge's inevitability. "We are focused on ensuring this critical infrastructure opens as scheduled to support our auto industry and union workers," a spokesperson said, though attempts to reach the White House or Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office for comment were unsuccessful. Candace Laing, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, called any blockage "self-defeating," urging collaboration instead.

The bridge's financing structure, with Canada providing full funding to be recouped via tolls, adds complexity to Trump's ownership demands. Industry experts note that the U.S. Federal Register has already designated it a port of entry for fiscal year 2026, and bipartisan support in Michigan suggests limited follow-through on the threat. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin warned of "self-inflicted economic damage" if the bridge is hindered, highlighting its role in boosting North America's busiest trade crossing.

As negotiations loom, stakeholders are bracing for potential impacts on local economies and cross-border commerce. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate responses from WDBA or further details on Trump's specific compensation claims. Market observers are watching closely, as this development could reshape trade dynamics and signal broader shifts in U.S.-Canada relations under mounting political pressures.