Trade relations between the two North American neighbors have been struck by a “seismic” new development. President Donald Trump has issued a high-stakes warning: he may prevent the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening, a move that could paralyze a vital link between the U.S. and Canada.

Escalating Tensions at the Border 🇺🇸🇨🇦

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, was expected to become the busiest and most modern commercial corridor in North America. However, its early 2026 opening is now shrouded in uncertainty as President Trump accuses Canada of “unfair” decades-long trade practices.

The Trump administration’s primary grievances include:

• Ownership and Compensation: Trump argued that despite Canada funding the project, the U.S. should own “at least one half” of the asset and be “fully compensated for everything” it has given Canada before a permit is granted ⚖️.

• Trade Barriers: The President cited Canada’s dairy tariffs and Ontario’s removal of U.S. alcoholic products from shelves as “unacceptable” rào cản 📦.

• The “China Factor”: Trump warned that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pursuit of trade deals with China would “eat Canada alive” and harm U.S. interests 📉.

A “Chess Piece” in Trade Negotiations 🃏

Analysts suggest this threat is a hallmark of Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy, intended to force concessions as the two nations prepare to renegotiate the USMCA trade pact.

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated… and Canada treats the United States with the fairness and respect we deserve,” the President stated in a recent Truth Social post.

Potential Repercussions 🚛💥

If the bridge remains closed, the economic fallout could be devastating:

1. Supply Chain Disruption: The auto industry depends heavily on the Detroit-Windsor corridor. A delay would increase freight costs and slow delivery times.

2. Economic “Own Goal”: Critics, including Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, described the threat as “economic sabotage” that would punish American manufacturers and workers.

3. Wasted Investment: The $6.4 billion CAD project was built over years of bipartisan cooperation; blocking it would leave a nearly complete architectural marvel as a silent monument to a trade war.

Canada’s Response 🇨🇦💬

Prime Minister Mark Carney described a “positive” but firm phone call with President Trump on Tuesday. Carney reminded the President that while Canada financed the project, the ownership is legally a 50/50 partnership between Canada and the state of Michigan. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has signaled a willingness to “double down” on retaliatory measures—like the liquor ban—unless U.S. tariffs are lifted.