**💥 BREAKING NEWS: Trump Threatened to Block Canada’s $6.4B Gordie Howe Bridge—Then Michigan Republicans Publicly Shut Him Down ⚡**

Detroit / Ottawa / Washington – February 17, 2026

In a dramatic escalation of the U.S.-Canada trade standoff, former President Donald Trump yesterday threatened to use federal authority to “block or delay” completion of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge—the new Detroit-Windsor crossing set to open later this year—unless Canada immediately capitulated to his demands for massive trade concessions and “billions in back payments.” The threat, posted in a 17-part Truth Social thread at 8:41 a.m. ET, sent shockwaves through Michigan’s congressional delegation, triggered a rare bipartisan backlash from the state’s Republican lawmakers, and flipped financial markets in real time.

The Gordie Howe Bridge, a six-lane cable-stayed span connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is already 85% complete and represents the largest single infrastructure project ever built along the U.S.-Canada border. Jointly funded by the Canadian federal government, the Province of Ontario, and the U.S. Department of Transportation under a 2015 bilateral agreement, the bridge is expected to handle 25–30% of the $780 billion annual U.S.-Canada goods trade when it opens in late 2026. Delaying or blocking it would create massive bottlenecks at the existing Ambassador Bridge (privately owned) and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, adding hours to truck crossings and potentially costing North American manufacturers billions in supply-chain delays.

Trump’s post was unequivocal:

“Canada has ripped us off for DECADES! If they don’t pay up the BILLIONS they owe in unfair trade subsidies RIGHT NOW, I will use every power I have to BLOCK or DELAY the Gordie Howe Bridge. No more free rides! America FIRST!!!”

The threat came just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. corn, soybeans, pork, whiskey, motorcycles, semiconductors, and other goods in response to Trump’s earlier 25% tariff threats. Trump had framed those tariffs as necessary to “stop Canada from stealing American jobs and money.”

Within 47 minutes of Trump’s post, Michigan’s entire Republican congressional delegation—Senators Mike Rogers and Elissa Slotkin (wait, no: in this timeline, the current delegation includes John James (R) and Gary Peters (D) in the Senate, plus nine House members)—released a joint statement that publicly rebuked the former president:

“As Michigan’s representatives, we strongly oppose any action that would delay or block the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This project is vital to our economy, our workers, and our national security. It will create thousands of jobs, reduce congestion at the Ambassador Bridge, and strengthen the U.S.-Canada supply chain that supports auto manufacturing across the state. Threatening this bridge harms Michigan families and businesses far more than it pressures Canada. We urge all parties to return to good-faith negotiations.”

The statement was signed by every Republican member of Michigan’s congressional delegation—Sen. John James (R), Reps. John Moolenaar (R), Bill Huizenga (R), Lisa McClain (R), Tim Walberg (R), John James (R, at-large), and others—a rare display of unity against Trump on an economic issue. Democratic members quickly endorsed the statement, creating a unanimous Michigan congressional front.

Markets reacted in real time. The Canadian dollar surged 2.1% against the U.S. dollar—the largest intraday gain in five years. U.S. auto-parts stocks (Magna, Lear, BorgWarner) and Detroit-area real-estate trusts rose 3–6% on hopes that the bridge project would remain on schedule. Canadian construction and engineering firms (PCL, Aecon) rallied 5–9%. U.S. agricultural futures (corn, soybeans) fell 2.8–4.1% on lingering fears of retaliation.

Acting President JD Vance’s economic team issued a carefully worded statement at 11:03 a.m. ET: “The administration respects the bipartisan concerns of Michigan’s delegation. Infrastructure projects that strengthen North American competitiveness should move forward without unnecessary delay. We will continue to pursue fair, reciprocal trade policies.” The statement avoided any direct rebuke of Trump but signaled that Vance is unwilling to back a bridge blockade.

Trump doubled down on Truth Social at 11:19 a.m. ET: “Michigan RINOs just sided with Canada over America! They’re WEAK! The Gordie Howe Bridge is a GIVEAWAY to Canada. I’ll stop it if I have to—America FIRST!!!”

The post has been viewed more than 81 million times but has triggered sharp pushback from Michigan Republicans and business leaders. The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce issued a statement: “Delaying the Gordie Howe Bridge would be economically catastrophic for Southeast Michigan. We stand with our congressional delegation in opposing any such action.”

The standoff has also drawn international attention. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Ottawa this afternoon, said: “The Gordie Howe Bridge is a symbol of partnership, not a bargaining chip. Canada will continue to build it on schedule and welcomes U.S. participation. Threats to delay infrastructure that benefits both nations are not serious policy—they are counterproductive.”

The episode underscores the limits of Trump’s influence in his post-presidency phase. With impeachment articles advancing in the House, potential disqualification under the 14th Amendment pending in the Senate, ongoing property seizures in New York, mass resignations from his legal team, and grand-jury developments in Georgia, the Michigan GOP’s public rejection of his bridge-threat tactic is a powerful signal: even in his home state of political dominance, Trump’s ability to dictate policy outcomes is no longer absolute.

As the Senate prepares for the disqualification vote and midterms loom nine months away, the tariff-bridge clash has become a defining moment. For Trump, it is a painful reminder that threats without the levers of executive power can backfire. For Carney, it is proof that measured, asymmetric retaliation can reset the power dynamic. And for the millions of workers on both sides of the border whose livelihoods depend on the bridge, tonight’s State of the Union address will be watched with a single question in mind: will the rhetoric cool, or will the threats continue?