The Munk Debates Podcast

Munk Dialogue with Andrew Coyne: Trump demands half ownership of the Gordie Howe Bridge and will Carney call a spring election?

6 snips
Feb 10, 2026
Andrew Coyne, noted Canadian political columnist, weighs in on Trump’s claim to the Gordie Howe Bridge and its wider meaning for U.S.-Canada relations. He discusses Trump’s delegitimizing rhetoric and the risks of bargaining away sovereignty. They also debate rumours of a spring election and strategic motives behind a snap vote.
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INSIGHT

Bridge Claim As Manufactured Grievance

  • Donald Trump's claim on partial ownership of the Gordie Howe Bridge is a manufactured grievance tied to personal allies and leverage.
  • Andrew Coyne warns it signals broader destabilizing tactics in US-Canada relations beyond tariffs.
INSIGHT

Delegitimizing Canada As A Strategy

  • Trump is pushing a delegitimizing narrative that Canada is a vassal of China and thus a US threat.
  • Coyne predicts this could escalate to claims Canada is not a real country and interference around Alberta referendums.
ADVICE

Avoid Paying Ransoms To Cope With Demands

  • Do not pay ransom-style concessions to extract temporary peace from Trump because it invites new demands.
  • Coyne advises keeping him talking while preparing to resist and diversify trade relationships over time.
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