HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Trump Threatens to Close Gordie Howe Bridge

WSJ.com: US Business •
×

President Trump is threatening to keep the Gordie Howe Bridge closed, raising concerns about cross-border trade between the US and Canada. The bridge, a major infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Windsor, remains unopened despite being completed. Trump's complaints center on trade imbalances and border security issues, which he claims justify keeping the crossing shut.

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a $5.7 billion project funded primarily by Canada to ease congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge. It was designed to handle increased commercial traffic and improve supply chain efficiency between the two countries. The closure threat comes amid ongoing tensions over trade policies, including tariffs on Canadian goods and disputes over the USMCA trade agreement.

Business groups warn that keeping the bridge closed would disrupt billions in daily trade and harm automakers who rely on just-in-time manufacturing across the border. The threat also risks undermining years of diplomatic efforts to strengthen North American trade ties. With no clear timeline for resolution, the standoff highlights the fragile nature of US-Canada economic relations and the potential for political disputes to impact critical infrastructure.