(DETROIT) - President Donald Trump is threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, escalating tensions with Canada just weeks before the major cross-border project is scheduled to begin operations.
In a post issued late Monday on Truth Social, Trump said the United States should receive a 50 percent ownership stake in the $6.4 billion bridge and "full compensation" for past dealings before the crossing is allowed to open.
The bridge spans the Detroit River, connecting Michigan with Ontario, and has been under construction for nearly eight years. It is slated to open in early 2026.
The president tied his demand to broader trade disputes, including Canadian dairy tariffs and a recent trade agreement between Canada and China.
The threat drew swift pushback from Michigan officials and Canadian leaders. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office described the bridge as a "tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation" and said it would open "one way or another."
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that blocking the bridge would raise costs for Michigan businesses, weaken supply chains, and ultimately cost jobs.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly spoke with Trump on Tuesday, reiterating that the bridge is jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan and that construction used steel from both countries.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says major construction is complete and the project is currently in its final commissioning and testing phase to ensure safety and operational readiness.
Once open, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to ease congestion at the Ambassador Bridge, currently the busiest trade crossing in North America. Legal experts remain uncertain how Trump could formally block the opening, though some have suggested he could attempt to declare a national emergency to close the port of entry.