US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new US-Canada bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan until “Washington is fully compensated.”
According bbcThe Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, owned by the Canadian government, built the bridge which cost around C$6.4 billion, financed entirely by Canada.
The bridge is expected to open in the coming weeks after final inspections and testing, and it is still unclear how the US president plans to block its opening.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Canadian government expects me, as President of the United States, to simply ALLOW them to take advantage of the United States.”
He criticized former US President Barack Obama for granting Canada a waiver to build the bridge without purchasing American products.
He added: “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States receives full compensation for everything we give them and, most importantly, Canada treats the United States with the fairness and respect we deserve.”
Trump announced that negotiations would begin immediately, without providing further details.
He also lashed out at Canada for reaching a trade deal with China, writing: “Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to strike a deal with China, which will eat Canada alive.”
Since Canada fully funded the project, it is unclear how President Trump wants to compensate the United States.
Canada has yet to respond to Trump’s demands.
