U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Canada, demanding compensation for benefits the country has received from the United States to date. He stated that unless full payment is made, the U.S. may take strict measures, including potentially blocking the Gordie Howe International Bridge that connects Ontario with Michigan. Trump criticized former President Obama for granting exemptions in 2014 that allowed the bridge’s construction to proceed without sufficient U.S. participation.
Trump proposed that the United States either cover half of the bridge’s construction costs or that both countries hold equal ownership rights over the project. The warning comes amid ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada, with Trump expressing frustration over tariffs imposed by Canada on U.S. dairy imports. He also criticized Canada for prioritizing trade with China over the United States, cautioning that Ottawa would have to “pay the price” for such decisions.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning the Detroit River, is being constructed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian government entity. Funding for the project has been provided entirely by the Canadian government, and construction is scheduled to begin later this year. The bridge has been highlighted as a key trade and transport link between the two countries, making Trump’s remarks particularly significant.
Canada has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s warning. Observers note that any U.S. attempt to interfere with the project could escalate tensions between the two countries, particularly as both nations navigate broader trade negotiations and diplomatic relations. The situation is likely to attract close attention from both business and political communities in North America.