On Monday, President Donald Trump stated he would block the opening of a bridge linking Michigan and Canada unless Ottawa engages in negotiations regarding tariffs and the treatment of American goods. He took to Truth Social, accusing Canada of exploiting the United States through unfair trade practices and aligning too closely with China.
To push for negotiations, Trump threatened not to allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge—named after the renowned Canadian ice hockey player and currently under construction—to open. This bridge is intended to connect Detroit with Windsor, Ontario. He expressed, “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States gets fully compensated for everything we have given, and, importantly, until Canada treats the United States with the fairness and respect we deserve.”
Trump emphasized the urgency of negotiations, asserting, “With everything we gave them, we should probably own at least half of this asset.” He pointed out the exclusion of U.S. alcohol products from Canadian liquor shelves in Ontario as an example of unfair treatment.
Historically, Trump has criticized Canada for taking advantage of U.S. trade agreements and claimed that the bridge was being built with minimal American materials. He highlighted issues such as former President Barack Obama giving Canada a chance to evade the Buy American Act, which mandates that federal agencies purchase products made predominantly from American parts.
Trump’s dissatisfaction extended to Canada’s reluctance to incorporate American steel in projects. He provoked thought, saying, “Now the Canadian government expects me, as President of the United States, to allow them to ‘take advantage of America’! What does the United States have to gain—absolutely nothing!” He noted that Ontario doesn’t even allow American spirits on store shelves, calling it outright prohibited.
He also expressed concerns about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s dealings with China, forewarning that Canada risks jeopardizing its own interests, stating, “We’ll just get the leftovers! I don’t think so.”
In a somewhat dramatic comment, Trump went as far as to say, “The first thing China will do is cancel all ice hockey in Canada and permanently abolish the Stanley Cup.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
