President Trump escalated trade pressure on Canada this week with a proposed bridge blockade, warning that a major U.S.-Canada infrastructure project will not open unless Ottawa negotiates on tariffs and market access. The dispute centers on trade fairness, American manufacturing, and Canada’s growing ties with China.
President Trump said Monday he will block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a long-planned connection between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, unless Canada agrees to new trade terms. In a Truth Social post, the president accused Canada of unfair trade practices and excluding American-made products while benefiting from U.S. concessions.
“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve,” President Trump wrote.
The bridge remains under construction and is named after legendary hockey player Gordie Howe. President Trump said the project moved forward with “virtually no U.S. content,” blaming a waiver issued during the Obama administration that allowed Canada to bypass the Buy American Act. He specifically cited the lack of American steel and manufacturing materials in the project.
“We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset,” President Trump added.
The president also pointed to Ontario’s removal of U.S. alcohol products from store shelves and criticized Prime Minister Carney’s interest in closer economic ties with China.
“Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just ‘take advantage of America!’” he wrote. “What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING!”
