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Trump Threatens to Block Opening of US-Canada Bridge Amid Misleading Claims
President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge spanning the Detroit River between the United States and Canada, according to a social media post he made Monday. The statement included several misleading claims about the project’s ownership, financing, and construction materials.
The bridge, which has been under construction for years and is expected to open in the coming months, represents a major new transportation link between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. It’s named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played most of his career with the Detroit Red Wings.
In his post, Trump suggested he would not “permit” Canada to “take advantage of America” and declared he would prevent the bridge from opening until “the United States is fully compensated.” However, this stance contradicts his previous position on the project during his first term as president.
In February 2017, Trump and then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement explicitly supporting the bridge, saying: “We look forward to the expeditious completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will serve as a vital economic link between our two countries.”
Former Canadian Conservative MP Jeff Watson noted this contradiction, telling CNN: “The absurdity is Trump 1.0 takes no issue with the arrangement, wants the construction expedited, while Trump 2.0 now wants to use it as leverage in a trade war he started.”
Among Trump’s claims was an assertion that the United States should own “at least one half of this asset.” What he failed to mention is that the bridge is already jointly owned by Michigan and Canada, as confirmed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, and former Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder.
“Canada and the state of Michigan are 50/50 owners of the new bridge,” Snyder wrote in an op-ed published in The Detroit News on Tuesday.
Trump also omitted crucial information about the project’s financing. Canada has shouldered the entire multi-billion-dollar construction cost after Michigan state lawmakers declined to contribute. Under the agreement, Canada will recoup its investment through toll revenue, after which subsequent toll income will be split between Canada and Michigan.
One of Trump’s most disputed claims concerned the materials used in construction. He alleged the bridge was built “with virtually no U.S. content” and that former President Barack Obama “stupidly gave them a waiver” to bypass the Buy American Act, particularly regarding steel.
While the Obama administration did support a Buy America waiver in 2012, it was done on the condition that “American iron and steel is allowed to compete on an equal basis” and in recognition of the “unique circumstance” where “Canada is assuming all financial liability and risk for the construction.”
Multiple officials have refuted Trump’s characterization. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters: “Seventy-five percent, yes, were Canadian steel and concrete, because we’re paying for it; 25% was US steel and concrete. Then the interchange going on from the Michigan side, it was all American workers, all American steel, all American concrete.”
Windsor Mayor Dilkens confirmed that “thousands of U.S. workers helped construct the bridge, port of entry and Michigan connections on the U.S. side, where lots of U.S. steel was used.” He specified that “US steel was specifically used for construction of the Michigan side of the river and for the US Port of Entry customs facility.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the situation, telling reporters he had explained to Trump in a Tuesday call that the bridge involved both “Canadian steel, Canadian workers, but also US steel, US workers.”
Some observers have noted that Trump’s claims echo arguments previously made by the family that owns the Ambassador Bridge, a nearly century-old toll bridge spanning the same river. That family has fought for years against the new bridge and in 2018 even ran an advertisement on a Fox News morning show known to be watched by Trump.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge represents a significant infrastructure investment that trade and transportation experts have long argued will benefit both countries by relieving congestion, improving supply chain reliability, and supporting thousands of jobs in the region.
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16 Comments
I’m a bit skeptical of the claims made in this post. It’s important to carefully scrutinize political rhetoric and look at the objective facts around major infrastructure projects like this.
Agreed. We should avoid getting caught up in partisan spin and focus on the real economic and logistical impacts of this bridge for businesses and communities on both sides of the border.
From a mining and commodities perspective, this bridge could be a game-changer in terms of trade and logistics between the US and Canada. I hope the political squabbling doesn’t jeopardize its completion.
Absolutely. Efficient cross-border infrastructure is crucial for the mining, metals, and energy industries. Rational, nonpartisan decision-making should guide the process here.
As an investor in lithium and other critical minerals, I’m very interested to see how this bridge project could impact the supply chains for those commodities between the US and Canada.
Good point. Improved transportation links could enhance the flow of strategic minerals and metals across the border, which is vital for the clean energy transition. Politics shouldn’t derail that.
This is a complex issue with a lot of political dynamics at play. I think it’s important to carefully evaluate the facts and merits of the bridge project, rather than getting swept up in the rhetoric.
Agreed. Objective analysis of the economic and logistical benefits should drive the decision-making, not partisan considerations. Cross-border infrastructure is crucial for the region.
Interesting to see the evolving dynamics around this major infrastructure project between the US and Canada. It’s important to look at the facts and not get caught up in political rhetoric.
Agreed. Cross-border cooperation is crucial for economic growth and development on both sides. Transparency and good faith negotiations should guide the process.
As a metals and mining investor, I’m curious to see how this bridge project could impact commodity trade and logistics between the two countries. Infrastructure is a key enabler for the industry.
Good point. This bridge could facilitate more efficient movement of raw materials, equipment, and finished products across the border. It’s an important consideration for the sector.
As someone interested in uranium and nuclear energy, I wonder how this bridge could impact the movement of nuclear materials and equipment between the US and Canada. Infrastructure is key for that industry too.
That’s an insightful point. Secure and efficient cross-border infrastructure is vital for the nuclear fuel cycle and related industries on both sides. Geopolitics shouldn’t disrupt that.
The political wrangling around this project is concerning. I hope the leaders can put partisan interests aside and focus on the economic benefits for both nations. Cross-border infrastructure is vital.
Absolutely. This kind of strategic asset should be viewed through a nonpartisan lens. Reliable transportation links are crucial for the long-term prosperity of the region.