Trump Says He Will Block US-Canada Bridge Unless Canada Negotiates on Trade
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Canada on Monday, threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canadian officials agree to new trade negotiations with the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump blasted Canada’s trade practices, accusing the country of disrespecting American workers, excluding U.S. goods, and drawing dangerously close to China.
“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,” Trump wrote, “and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.”
The bridge, which spans the Detroit River and connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, is nearing completion and expected to open soon. Trump made clear that the U.S. would not cooperate unless Canada returns to the table on tariffs and reconsiders policies that exclude American-made products from Canadian markets.
Trump specifically criticized Ontario for banning U.S. spirits and other alcoholic beverages from its liquor store shelves. He pointed to the construction of the bridge itself as another example of Canada acting in bad faith—claiming it was built with “virtually no U.S. content” and blamed former President Barack Obama for waiving Buy American rules that would have required the use of American steel and labor.
“With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset,” Trump said.
The president also sounded the alarm about Canada’s warming ties with China, calling it a threat to both national security and cultural identity. “The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup,” Trump warned.
He accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of plotting to strike a deal with China while shutting out American producers and businesses. Trump suggested that if Canada wants a bridge across American territory, it will have to play by American rules.
Trump’s hardline stance is consistent with his “America First” trade doctrine. Throughout his presidency, he has sought to renegotiate U.S. trade relationships to secure more favorable terms for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers.
The message to Ottawa was blunt: no bridge, no concessions, no more business-as-usual. Trump concluded his statement by declaring, “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY.”