Trump blocks opening of billion-dollar bridge between the US and Canada

US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new $4.7 billion Gordie Howe Bridge, which connects Detroit in the US with the Canadian city of Windsor. He criticized trade relations between the two countries.

Trump pointed to the fact that the bridge is owned by Canada, as well as Canadian tariffs on dairy products, the refusal to sell certain American alcoholic beverages in Canada, and Ottawa's trade negotiations with China.

He added that the bridge will not open until the United States receives "full compensation" and Canada begins to treat the US "fairly and with respect." "We will start negotiations immediately. With everything we have given them, we should own at least half of this property," he explained.

Canada financed the bridge because the United States refused to pay for its construction. The costs are to be repaid from tolls over the next 30 years. Construction began in 2018. The US Department of Homeland Security has already declared it an official border crossing.

Trump's comments have drawn criticism from Michigan politicians, who warn of possible negative consequences for trade, jobs, and supply chains. The construction is intended to relieve existing traffic and significantly reduce the time it takes for trucks to cross between the US and Canada.

(reuters, max)