President Trump on Friday dismissed Canada's move to exclude the United States from the ceremonial opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, declaring it was “fine” as he continues to escalate trade tensions. The snub came after the Trump administration threatened a 50 percent tariff on select Canadian imports, a move that has further strained bilateral relations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that “Canada disinvited the United States of America to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial TARIFFS to the United States.” He also asserted that the original agreement governing the bridge “no longer stands,” calling it “terribly negotiated” by a previous administration. “We changed the terms of the Deal so that the United States of America now gets 50% of the Profit,” he added.
The $4.7 billion bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is set to open to passenger and commercial traffic on Monday. Canada held its ceremony on Friday without US officials, a pointed rebuke amid the tariff dispute. The six-lane span, fully financed by Canada, is expected to become a major commercial corridor linking the two countries.
Trump had threatened in February to block the 1.5-mile bridge from opening, citing Canadian restrictions on US alcohol sales, disagreements over tariffs, and Canada's trade cooperation with China. The two countries later announced an agreement in June that cleared the way for the bridge to open, but they clashed over how future toll revenue would be divided.
After a series of negotiations, a deal was eventually reached to open the long-delayed bridge in July. Trump insisted the talks yielded a “much better deal” for the US regarding toll revenue and a stake in the bridge. The bridge is named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings.
The dispute over the bridge is part of a broader pattern of trade friction between Washington and Ottawa. Trump has frequently targeted Canadian imports with tariffs, arguing that the US has been treated unfairly. Critics say the president's approach risks alienating a key ally and disrupting cross-border commerce. For more on Trump's trade tactics, see two businesses challenging his latest tariffs.
Meanwhile, the administration has continued to reshape trade policy on other fronts. The president has also admitted a political basis for canceling blue-state green grants, drawing criticism from Democrats. The White House has not commented on whether the bridge tariff threat will be expanded.
The Gordie Howe bridge is expected to handle thousands of trucks daily, making it a vital artery for the auto industry and other sectors. Its opening, now overshadowed by the tariff standoff, underscores the fragile state of US-Canada economic ties under Trump's presidency.
