Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a statement via his social media platform, Truth Social, threatening not to allow the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which connects Ontario, Canada, to Michigan, USA, unless Canada changes its approach to the United States. Trump demands that Canada hand over at least half of the bridge to the U.S. as compensation for what he claims are losses the U.S. has incurred in its relationship with its northern neighbor. The bridge construction, which began in 2018, has been a prolonged subject of dispute between the two countries.

Canadian media reports estimate that the bridge's construction cost at least $4.7 billion, which was fully funded by Canada. Furthermore, Canada is expected to be responsible for maintaining the bridge for the next 36 years. Trump's recent remarks intensify pressure on Canada and raise questions about the ongoing relationship between the two nations, especially as he calls for compensation for what he perceives as imbalances in trade and cooperation.

During his presidency, Trump supported the bridge project, emphasizing a swift completion in a joint statement with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, the evolution of U.S.-Canada relations since then has been marked by increasing tensions, and Trump's latest statements reflect a more aggressive posture towards Canada that could have implications for future negotiations and diplomatic relations.