Trump Seeks Half-Stake in U.S.-Canada Bridge

(MENAFN) Donald Trump is threatening to halt the inauguration of a critical cross-border infrastructure project unless Washington secures financial reimbursement and partial ownership of the span.

The US President issued the ultimatum Monday via Truth Social, declaring the Gordie Howe International Bridge—a vital artery between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario—cannot commence operations until America is "fully compensated" and Canada demonstrates "fairness and respect."

"With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the US market will be astronomical," Trump declared in the extended statement.

The commander-in-chief charged that Canada reaps outsized benefits from the infrastructure venture, asserting the structure utilized "virtually no US content" and claiming an exemption granted during Barack Obama's administration enabled Ottawa to circumvent 'Buy American' procurement rules. Trump simultaneously revived familiar complaints regarding Canadian dairy levies, provincial barriers to US alcohol distribution, and Canada's recent diplomatic engagement with China.

The six-lane corridor—carrying a revised $6.4 billion price tag from initial $5.7 billion projections—approaches completion after final safety evaluations and is slated to launch operations within weeks. Construction commenced in 2018, with the crossing positioned to rank among North America's most critical commercial thoroughfares between the neighboring nations.

Ottawa maintains complete financing responsibility for the project, though public ownership will be shared between Canada and the state of Michigan, according to the Canadian government. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens dismissed elements of the presidential broadside as "just insane," emphasizing that American steel was incorporated throughout the Michigan construction zone.

Notably, Trump championed the bridge initiative during his initial presidency, labeling it a "vital economic link," despite resistance from Ambassador Bridge proprietors who have persistently challenged the development.

The confrontation escalates already mounting bilateral tensions. Recent weeks have seen Trump signal severe tariffs on Canadian-manufactured aircraft and threaten punitive action should Ottawa expand commercial relationships with Beijing.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has categorically denied pursuing any free-trade arrangement with China and called on Washington to honor Canadian sovereignty.

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