Trump Seeks To Halt Gordie Howe Bridge, Cites Economic Risks

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/09/2026) In a post on Truth Social on Monday, President Donald Trump said Canada has treated the United States unfairly for decades and claimed the Gordie Howe Bridge was built with little U.S. content and that Canada must come to the negotiating table before the project is allowed to open.

"We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical," Trump wrote.

The bridge was slated to open this year. Construction on the project began in 2018. The project was financed by Canada to ensure an alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge between the two cities — a critical artery for the auto industry and the region.

“This is the busiest trade crossing in North America,” said Stacey LaRouche, press secretary to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about jobs. It's good for Michigan's workers and it's good for Michigan's auto industry. As a reminder, Canada financed the construction of the bridge - which was built by union construction workers from both sides of the border - and it will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada. This project has been a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation. It's going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting.”

Trump's post argued Canada received a waiver from the Buy American Act during the Obama administration and argued the U.S. gains nothing from the project.

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) released a statement late Monday criticizing Trump's decision to halt the opening of the project, calling the move harmful to Michigan's economy and workforce.

Trump also cited Canadian restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales, tariffs on American dairy products and Canada's potential trade deal with China. He said he will not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is fully compensated and treated with fairness and respect.

Slotkin said the bridge is a critical infrastructure project for Michigan and warned that stopping it would have serious consequences. She said canceling the project would increase costs for Michigan businesses, weaken supply chains and lead to fewer jobs across the state.

Slotkin also said the decision unfairly targets Michigan residents amid an ongoing trade dispute. She said Michiganders are being punished for a trade war started by the President and argued that strained relations have pushed Canada toward expanding trade ties with China.

Slotkin rejected that approach, saying personal retribution should not come before what is best for Michigan. She emphasized that Canada is a longtime ally of the United States and said she will continue working to get the Gordie Howe Bridge project back on track.