1A ICYMI: Trump Threatens To Close A New Bridge Between Michigan And Ontario
Feb 12, 2026
Nick Taylor-Vasey, Ottawa Bureau Chief for Politico and co-host of Playbook Canada, offers reporting on Canadian politics and U.S.-Canada ties. He walks through the history and financing of the Gordie Howe bridge. He explains why Trump shifted from supporter to opponent and outlines reactions from Michigan, Canada and the public. He flags what to watch next in bilateral relations.
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Canada Fully Funded The Bridge
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge was fully funded by Canada because Michigan and the U.S. federal government declined to pay.
- Canada will recoup costs through tolls and eventually share revenue with Michigan once the bridge is paid off.
Local Bridge Owners Lobbied Trump
- The Maroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, strongly opposed the Gordie Howe project and lobbied the Trump administration.
- The New York Times reported the Marouns spoke to Howard Lutnick and their views likely reached President Trump.
Bridge Completion And Local Confidence
- The bridge is complete and set to open early this year despite Trump's social media threat to block it.
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expects the project to open on time and stressed its economic importance.