Overview
- In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. is "fully compensated," demanded at least half ownership, and announced immediate negotiations.
- He provided no mechanism for such a blockade, while Canadian officials emphasize the multibillion-dollar span was financed by Canada, with costs to be recouped through tolls and operations handled by the Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority.
- Windsor’s mayor countered Trump’s claim that "virtually" no U.S. products were used, saying American steel was incorporated on the U.S. side.
- Michigan officials, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office and Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, condemned the threat and warned of higher costs, less secure supply chains, and potential job losses.
- Trump linked his move to Ottawa’s recent outreach to China and earlier threats of 100% tariffs, as industry voices stress the Detroit‑Windsor corridor’s role in North American auto trade, with 2023 truck shipments valued at about $126 billion.