President Donald Trump recently stirred up controversy with a post about the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. He threatened to block its opening, citing various claims that raised eyebrows. One particularly bizarre assertion was that a trade deal with China would eliminate ice hockey in Canada and the Stanley Cup—a claim most found hard to take seriously.
In his criticism, Trump echoed sentiments previously expressed by the Moroun family, owners of an older toll bridge nearby. They have historically fought the new bridge’s construction. Interestingly, Trump had previously supported this very project. Back in 2017, he and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed excitement over its potential to create jobs through infrastructure investment.
Jeff Watson, a former member of the Canadian Parliament, commented on the absurdity of Trump’s shifting positions: he once favored the bridge but now seems to use it as leverage in a trade dispute.
The ownership of the bridge is already split between Michigan and Canada—50/50, as confirmed by various officials. Trump’s insistence that the U.S. should own half is misplaced. In fact, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens both reaffirmed this.
Also noteworthy is Trump’s claim that the bridge was built with “virtually no U.S. content.” This is misleading. The Obama administration granted a waiver for the bridge project, but U.S. steel was used. Both Canadian and American officials confirmed significant U.S. involvement, including labor and materials.
Drew Dilkens emphasized on social media that thousands of U.S. workers contributed to the bridge’s construction. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder echoed this, stating Trump’s assertions about U.S. content were incorrect.
In light of recent trade tensions and infrastructure needs, the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains a significant project. It serves not just as a means of transportation, but as a symbol of cross-border cooperation and economic partnership.
For those curious about more detailed analyses, reports from Bloomberg and the Gordie Howe International Bridge website offer further insights into its construction and ownership.
