Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge, Demands US Ownership
Former President Donald Trump has issued a startling threat to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure project connecting Michigan and Ontario. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump demanded that the United States receive part-ownership of the bridge, claiming America gets "absolutely nothing" from the current arrangement.
Bizarre Allegations About China and Canadian Hockey
In his social media rant, Trump made the extraordinary claim that China is plotting to "terminate ALL ice hockey" in Canada and "permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup." He offered no explanation for how China would accomplish this, linking the allegation to reports of Canada seeking new trade deals with China, which he claimed would "eat Canada alive."
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the legendary Detroit Red Wings player and Canadian national, has been under construction since 2018. The 1.6-mile suspension bridge spans the Detroit River and represents decades of planning by officials on both sides of the border, including during Trump's first administration when he endorsed the project.
Immediate Backlash from Michigan Officials
Trump's threats drew immediate condemnation from Michigan politicians across party lines. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's spokesperson emphasized that "Canada financed the construction of the bridge" and that it "will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada." The spokesperson added definitively: "It's going to open one way or another."
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin called the bridge an "incredibly important infrastructure project" and warned that any cancellation would inflict "serious" damage on the state's economy. "With this threat, the President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started," she stated on social media platform X.
Historical Context and Funding Arrangements
The bridge project has been entirely funded by the Canadian government, which plans to recoup its investment through future bridge tolls. This financing arrangement was negotiated during the administration of Republican Governor Rick Snyder, a fact highlighted by House member Debbie Dingell, who represents Ann Arbor and areas west of Detroit.
"We cannot forget Canada is our friend and ally," Dingell said. "We have to stop these cheap shots... I look forward to the ribbon-cutting." She also reminded the public that Trump himself had endorsed the bridge project back in 2017.
Broader Diplomatic Tensions
Trump's latest outburst comes amid deteriorating relations between the US and Canada. Last month at Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a standing ovation for declaring that the old US-led world order was dead and "is not coming back." Trump had previously threatened Carney at the same forum, stating bluntly that "Canada lives because of the US."
The former president's social media post also referenced Ontario's ongoing boycott of US liquor, which was removed from all licensed liquor stores in the province last February by order of the provincial government and has yet to return to shelves.
Economic Integration at Stake
Michigan Senator Gary Peters called Trump's claims "completely backwards," noting that Michigan's economy is "highly integrated" with Canada and that residents have wanted a new bridge for years to supplement the aging Ambassador Bridge, which is owned by billionaire Manuel Moroun. Moroun has unsuccessfully sued multiple times to stop construction of the new span.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge was designed to strengthen ties between two historic allies and trade partners, but Trump's tariffs and threats of annexation have sent relations spiraling downward. As construction nears completion, the project faces unprecedented political uncertainty despite broad bipartisan support at the state level and decades of careful planning.
