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President Donald Trump said late Monday that he may block the opening of a new international bridge between Michigan and Canada, based on long-standing trade grievances and Canada’s growing relationship with China.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, is expected to open early this year and would be the only crossing between the two cities that allows pedestrian and bicycle traffic, according to Politico. Canada is responsible for maintaining the bridge.
President Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he would halt the bridge’s opening, arguing Canada has treated the United States unfairly for decades.
“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve,” the president wrote. “We will start negotiations immediately.”
President Trump also criticized Canada’s closer ties with China, warning that the relationship would harm Canadian interests.
“Ontario won’t even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so,” he added. “Now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We’ll just get the leftovers! I don’t think so.”
The comments follow an announcement last month by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada had reached a new strategic partnership with Beijing. The agreement is intended to expand trade and mutual investment and increase cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and cybercrime with China.
The president stated that negotiations will begin immediately.
“The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup. The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk. I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he concluded.