Trump Threatens Bridge Blockade Over Canada Trade Dispute, Demands U.S. Ownership Stake
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A Bridge Too Far
President Donald Trump is threatening to block the opening of a major bridge linking Detroit to the Canadian province of Ontario unless Prime Minister Mark Carney's government comes to the negotiating table on trade. The bridge, which Canada owns on both sides, has become the latest flashpoint in escalating U.S.-Canada tensions.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump argued that Canada has treated America "very unfairly for decades" and that the bridge was "built with virtually no U.S. content." He took aim at former President Barack Hussein Obama for "stupidly" granting Canada a waiver that allowed the country to sidestep the Buy American Act, which requires federal preference for American-made products.
Trade Grievances Pile Up
Trump painted a picture of one-sided benefits, claiming the U.S. receives nothing while Canada refuses to sell American spirits and alcohol. "Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive," Trump said, adding that China would somehow end ice hockey in Canada and "put an end to the Stanley Cup."
He also highlighted Canadian tariffs on U.S. dairy products as unacceptable to American farmers. However, according to a New York Times report from last March, Canada uses a tariff-rate quota system that allows U.S. dairy products to enter duty-free as long as they stay within certain import limits. Those limits haven't been exceeded, so the tariffs haven't actually kicked in.
The China Factor
Part of Trump's frustration stems from a recent agreement between China and Canada allowing at least 49,000 Chinese-made EVs into Canada at reduced tariff rates, potentially expanding to 70,000 vehicles. The deal has drawn criticism from both Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
"I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them," Trump declared. He demanded that negotiations begin immediately and insisted the U.S. should own "at least one half of this asset," promising "astronomical" revenue for America.
Escalating Threats
The bridge standoff comes alongside other aggressive moves. Trump previously threatened 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Ottawa proceeds with the China EV deal. "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A," he warned.
He's also threatened to revoke certifications for Canadian-made aircraft operating in the U.S., while dangling 50% tariffs on Canada unless American-made Gulfstream jets receive certification north of the border.
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