President Trump declared he will “not allow” the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Michigan and Ontario to open unless Canada negotiates on tariffs and its exclusion of American products.

In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized Canada’s decades-long treatment of the United States, stating that the Canadian government built the bridge with virtually no U.S. content. He accused President Barack Hussein Obama of providing a waiver under the BUY AMERICAN Act that allowed Canada to bypass using American materials, including steel. “Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to permit them to just ‘take advantage of America!’ What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING!” Trump wrote. He added that Ontario prohibits U.S. spirits and beverages from being sold on its shelves and warned that Prime Minister Carney’s potential trade deal with China would harm Canada.

The President vowed he would not allow the bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for its contributions and Canada treats the United States “with Fairness and Respect.” He stated, “We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.”

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, when completed, would be the second bridge after the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder reached an agreement on the project in 2012, with Obama administration approval in 2013. The $6.4 billion project is funded by Canada’s federal government and owned by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). A February 6 update from WDBA stated construction has been completed and the bridge is now undergoing testing and commissioning.

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) called Trump’s threat “awful for our state’s economy,” warning of higher costs for businesses, less secure supply chains, and fewer jobs. She added, “The President is punishing Michiganders for a trade war he started.” U.S. Senator Gary Peters described Trump’s statement as “completely backwards” and said it undermines Michigan businesses.

Stacey LaRouche, a spokeswoman for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, stated the bridge represents “bipartisan and international cooperation” and will open regardless of presidential threats. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell noted the bridge was built by union workers on both sides of the border and is critical for jobs in Michigan and across America. Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, said Canada is Michigan’s leading export destination and agricultural shippers are hopeful for an early opening. Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, added that blocking the bridge would be “a self-defeating move.”