By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a dramatic escalation of cross-border tensions, President Donald Trump threatened on Monday, February 9, 2026, to block the imminent opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The $6.4 billion project, entirely funded by the Canadian government and under construction since 2018, is designed to be the busiest commercial land border crossing in North America.
The “One-Half Asset” Demand
Trump’s latest grievance centers on the project’s ownership and what he characterizes as Canada’s historical “unfairness” toward the United States.
- The Negotiation: Trump asserted that the U.S. should own “at least one half” of the bridge, despite Canada having footed the entire bill.
- The “Respect” Factor: He vowed to halt the opening—originally slated for early 2026—until the U.S. is “fully compensated for everything we have given them.”
- U.S. Steel Claims: The President also criticized the project for a perceived lack of U.S. content, despite a 2018 waiver that allowed the use of both Canadian and American steel.
A Growing Rift with “Governor” Carney
The threat against the bridge is the latest salvo in a deteriorating relationship between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March 2025. Trump has frequently referred to the former central banker as “Governor Carney,” a nod to his past roles leading the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
| Recent Tensions | Context |
| China Trade Deal | Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods if Carney finalizes a trade pact with Beijing. |
| Aircraft War | On January 29, Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian aircraft (specifically targeting Bombardier) after Canada reportedly refused to certify Gulfstream jets. |
| The Davos “Mic-Drop” | In January 2026, Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum criticizing “economic coercion” and “great power rivalry,” which Trump interpreted as a personal slight. |
Economic Stakes of the Gordie Howe Bridge
The potential blockage of the bridge has sent shockwaves through the automotive and logistics sectors in both Michigan and Ontario.
- The Trade Corridor: The Windsor-Detroit corridor accounts for over 25% of all trade between the two nations.
- The Goal: The bridge was intended to bypass the aging, privately-owned Ambassador Bridge, providing a direct connection between I-75 in Detroit and Highway 401 in Ontario.
- Reaction: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office stated the bridge “is going to open one way or another,” emphasizing its critical role in the American auto industry and the thousands of union jobs created during its construction.
What Happens Next?
As major construction is nearly complete, the final testing and inspections were expected to wrap up this spring. If the White House uses executive authority to withhold Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing, the bridge could sit dormant despite being physically ready for traffic.