WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Monday highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge between the United States and Canada, signaling the start of renewed negotiations over ownership, investment, and trade fairness between the two neighbors.
The president emphasized that the United States should have a significant stake in the bridge, suggesting that shared ownership could better reflect the long-standing economic and logistical cooperation between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of Michigan.
The bridge, named after Canadian-born National Hockey League legend Gordie Howe, represents one of the largest recent cross-border infrastructure projects in North America, according to AFP.
Construction on the $4.7-billion bridge began in 2018 and is scheduled to open later this year. Once operational, it is expected to enhance trade efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen supply chains between the two countries, which already share one of the world’s most active trading relationships.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said discussions with Canada would begin immediately, framing the talks as an opportunity to ensure fairness, mutual respect, and balanced economic benefits. He also raised concerns about the sourcing of construction materials, reiterating his administration’s broader goal of promoting greater use of US-made products in major projects.
The president further referenced Canada’s recent engagement with China, noting that Washington is closely monitoring global trade alignments and their potential impact on North American industries. US officials have previously indicated that trade measures, including tariffs, remain tools to encourage equitable agreements.
Despite sharp rhetoric in recent months, Trump’s comments underscore an ongoing negotiation phase rather than a break in relations. Trade discussions between the two countries have continued since his return to office in January 2025, reflecting the complexity and importance of the bilateral relationship.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also called for renewed global cooperation, recently telling the Davos forum that the international system is undergoing significant change and that mid-level powers should work more closely together.
As talks move forward, both countries are expected to focus on shared economic interests, infrastructure development, and maintaining one of the world’s most interconnected cross-border partnerships.
