Trump Threatens to Block Opening of Gordie Howe Bridge
Trump threatened to block the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge's opening despite shared ownership between Canada and Michigan, officials said.
Overview
A White House official said on Feb. 10 that President Donald Trump could amend the presidential permit for the Gordie Howe International Bridge and potentially block its opening, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a half-mile cable-stayed crossing linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan that Canada paid about $4.6 billion to build and is slated to open in early 2026, records show.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Feb. 10 that he spoke with Trump and disputed the president's claims that Canada owns both sides and used little U.S. content, saying ownership is shared with the state of Michigan and that U.S. steel and workers were involved.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said on Feb. 10 that 15,000 people helped build the project, 8,000 of them from the United States, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford said 75% of steel and concrete were Canadian and 25% were U.S., according to their statements.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Feb. 10 that Trump demanded the United States 'own at least half' of the asset and asked U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra to pursue negotiations, while Canadian officials said they expect the bridge to open as scheduled in early 2026.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are largely neutral in this coverage, presenting a factual chronology, attributing claims to officials, and quoting both U.S. and Canadian perspectives. Small editorial choices—the headline “brouhaha” and opening emphasis on Trump’s threats—inject mild conflict framing; quoted assertions (Leavitt, Carney, Snyder) remain source content.
Sources (11)
FAQ
The bridge is owned jointly by the Canadian government and the state of Michigan, operated under a shared agreement, though Canada paid the full $4.6 billion construction cost.
The U.S. State Department issued the Presidential Permit on April 12, 2013, authorizing construction; White House officials claim the President has the right to amend it.
Trump objects to Canada owning land on both sides and controlling crossings, and to insufficient use of American-made materials; he demands U.S. ownership of at least half.
The bridge is near completion and scheduled to open in early 2026; Canadian and Michigan officials expect it to proceed on time.
Officials like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Premier Doug Ford, and PM Mark Carney counter that ownership is shared, U.S. workers and materials were used extensively, and the bridge will open as planned.
History
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4 sources