Trump threatens to block opening of new bridge between Windsor and Detroit
CBC22 hrs
Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening
Is demanding bridge ownership after Canada funded it extortion or standing up for American interests?
Above: Span of the Detroit River, on April 17, 2025. Image credit: Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
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 — demanding renegotiations 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 at the expense of Michigan's economy.
Pro-Trump narrative
Canada built a bridge on American soil, controls 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 standing up for American interests after decades of getting nothing.
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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