Trump Blocks Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over Funding Dispute

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, remains closed despite completing construction in April 2026. Although scheduled for a June 15 opening, Donald Trump blocked the project, asserting that the United States must be fully compensated for its contributions and suggesting the U.S. should own half of the project. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick intervened to cancel the opening ceremony to renegotiate for a larger share of toll revenue.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has disputed claims that Canada paid for the bridge, calling such assertions a "big myth." While the Treasury Board of Canada provided between $4.5 billion and $6 billion in upfront funding, Hoekstra argues that Canada is serving as a bank for a loan that will be repaid by users via tolls over approximately 35 years.

Democratic lawmakers, including Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, and Lou Correa, held a press conference on July 7 demanding the bridge open immediately to support the U.S. auto industry and Michigan's economy. Critics allege the delay is influenced by the Moroun family, owners of the competing Ambassador Bridge, who donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned political action committee in January 2026. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel expects a traffic decline of 5% to 7% once the new bridge eventually opens.