The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Raj/Russo: Let's Break A Deal -- Trump Threatens Gordie Howe
Feb 10, 2026
Althia Raj, Toronto Star political reporter who explains Canada–U.S. dynamics; Rob Russo, The Economist journalist who analyzes trade and political strategy. They dissect Trump threatening to block the Gordie Howe Bridge, motives and negotiation posturing, Michigan lobbying and swing-state pressure, fact-checks of his claims, and the wider strain on Canada–U.S. ties.
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Take The Invitation To Negotiate
- Rob Russo recommends taking Trump's public invitation to negotiate seriously and sit down to talk.
- He urges Canada to use the opportunity to gain leverage rather than overreact.
Framing As Domestic Posturing
- Althia Raj reads Trump's framing as asserting U.S. priority and painting Canada as giving China first access.
- She says the core threat is revoking permits, which smells of political desperation.
Trump's Long Truth Social Threat
- Althia Raj recounts Trump's long Truth Social post threatening to revoke permits for the bridge.
- She calls the tone desperate and suggests negotiators shouldn't be alarmed.