CARNEY ASSURES RESOLUTION AS TRUMP THREATENS TO BLOCK $4.7B US-CANADA BRIDGE

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has assured that tensions surrounding the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge will be resolved despite fresh objections from the U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Carney confirmed that he had a conversation with Trump earlier in the day where the controversial bridge project was discussed alongside broader trade concerns. While he declined to provide details, Carney maintained that “the situation will be settled.”

The bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, is scheduled to open in the coming months. It has become the latest flashpoint in growing trade friction between the two countries.

President Trump recently threatened to block the bridge from opening, citing dissatisfaction with Canada’s role in financing the project. He also referenced other trade grievances, including Canada’s dairy tariffs, restrictions on certain American alcoholic beverages in Canadian stores, and Ottawa’s trade engagement with China.

The Gordie Howe Bridge was fully financed by Canada after the U.S. government declined to contribute funding. The construction cost over $4 billion will be recouped through tolls over the next 30 years. Despite Trump’s claims that Canada would own the bridge outright, Carney clarified that ownership is shared between the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan.

However, the White House remains firm in its opposition. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the current arrangement is “unacceptable” to the president, arguing that Canada’s control over land on both sides of the crossing raises concerns.

The dispute comes amid reports that billionaire Matt Moroun; whose family owns the rival Ambassador Bridge, met with the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shortly before Trump’s public criticism of the new bridge. Neither the Commerce Department nor the Ambassador Bridge company has issued an official comment.

Meanwhile, business leaders in Michigan are voicing concern. The Detroit Regional Chamber described the Gordie Howe Bridge as one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the state’s history, warning that delays could impact trade and regional economic growth.

With the bridge nearing completion, attention now turns to how both governments will navigate the political and economic tensions surrounding a project designed to strengthen cross-border ties.