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Snapshot 5:Tue, Feb 10, 2026 9:39:52 AM GMT last edited by Harish Chander

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening
Above: **Watermarked Getty Image. Kindly Replace** Spanning the Detroit River, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will connect southern Detroit, Michigan, USA, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, when completed. Image credit: Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Blocking a bridge Canada fully funded is pure extortion dressed up as negotiation. Canada paid the entire $6.4 billion for construction on both sides of the border, and now demanding 50% ownership after the fact is just strong-arming a neighbor to force broader trade concessions. This isn't about fairness — it's about punishing Canada for refusing to be bullied and seeking trade partnerships elsewhere.

Canada built a bridge on American soil, owns both sides, and used zero American steel thanks to Obama's waiver that bypassed Buy American requirements. Ontario bans U.S. alcohol from shelves while charging crushing dairy tariffs that devastate American farmers. Demanding compensation and at least half ownership of an asset generating revenue from U.S. markets isn't extortion — it's finally standing up for American interests after decades of getting nothing.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 4% chance the U.S. annex any part of Canada before June 3, 2072, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


The Controversies



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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0