Trump claims US got ‘much better deal’ as delayed bridge with Canada set to open

Administration Trump claims US got ‘much better deal’ as delayed bridge with Canada set to open Comments: by Finya Swai - 07/11/26 10:40 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 07/11/26 10:40 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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The U.S. and Canada have reached an agreement clearing the way for the long-delayed opening of a $4.7 billion bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, the Canadian government announced late Friday.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which was originally set to open on June 27, will now open on July 27 after the two countries struck a deal on toll revenue.

President Trump had previously threatened to block the opening of the 1.5-mile bridge unless the U.S. received compensation and a stake in ownership.

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve,” Trump wrote earlier this year on Truth Social.

Following a series of negotiations with Canadian officials, the president on Saturday claimed he struck a “much better deal” on the bride.

“I was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America, and by so doing, will be allowing the new and spectacular Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, to open on July 27th, as scheduled,” he wrote.

“The original deal made was unacceptable to me!” he wrote online. “The new deal is great, and fair. Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government. May we both have many years of success with this wonderful new development!!!”

Canada said it agreed to a series of measures between the two nations to “ensure that benefits are felt on both sides of the border.”

“Canada and the United States have agreed to a series of cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency, as well as investments in the region, including through the establishment of a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of profits from bridge operations,” the Canadian government said Friday in a statement.

Reuters reported that under the deal, the U.S. would receive half of the toll revenue and approval authority over any toll changes that are higher than 10 percent of the current tolls.

The deal was struck between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister in charge of U.S. trade, according to the news wire.

The bridge, named after legendary Detroit Red Wings hockey player Gordie Howe, is expected to become a major commercial corridor linking the neighboring countries. Construction began in 2018 and is paid for by Canada.

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