Trump claims 50% profit share as Canada uninvites US from Gordie Howe Bridge opening over new tariffs
Washington, DC, July 25
US President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed the cancellation of a joint US-Canada opening ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, claiming that Washington had renegotiated the project's financial terms to secure a 50 per cent share of net profits.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reacted to Canadian officials calling off the bipartisan event connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.
"Canada disinvited the United States of America to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial TARIFFS to the United States," Trump wrote, adding that the original terms set by a previous administration were "terribly negotiated" and no longer stand. He declared that under revised terms, "the United States of America now gets 50% of the Profit."
The cancelled ceremony followed a spike in trade tensions between the two neighbours after the United States on Monday announced a fresh wave of additional 50 per cent tariffs on certain Canadian goods, in what it called was a response to the "discriminatory treatment" of American products- in the sectors of motor vehicles, dairy and alcoholic beverages and are set to take place 30 days after the signing of the proclamations by Trump.
Responding to the tariffs, the office of Canada's infrastructure minister Gregor Robertson said in a statement, carried by The New York Times, "In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries."
"The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains a vital infrastructure project that reflects years of hard work and will be a major economic driver," he added.
Addressing Trump's claim that the 2012 agreement between Canada and Michigan governing the bridge "no longer stands," Robertson told the reporters after the ceremony that this is not the case, The New York Times reported.
Meanwhile, local leaders in Canada also expressed disappointment over the strained diplomatic atmosphere surrounding the milestone project.
"It's regretful that this is what it's come to," said Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor in remarks reported by The New York Times. "It just speaks to where we're at with our relationship with the United States."
He added, "It is a bit underwhelming, but that's OK. We are where we are."
Canadian officials held an inauguration event on the Windsor side to mark the completion of the multi-billion-dollar cable-stayed infrastructure project on Friday.
According to the bridge's official website, the representatives from the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Bridging North America, and members of the Howe Family participated in the historic opening.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in North America, built through partnership, ambition, and a shared belief that investing in modern infrastructure builds a stronger future.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open to traffic on Monday, July 27, 2026, welcoming travellers as early as 12:00 p.m. The bridge and connecting facilities transform how people and goods move across North America by creating a direct, highway-to-highway connection between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate-75, along a corridor were there is $300 billion a year in trade between Michigan and Ontario. Designed with six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 Canada and U.S. inspection lanes, the new crossing and its modern ports of entry enhance efficiency, reliability and security for commercial and passenger traffic.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting how Trump renegotiated a deal made in 2012. In India, we too renegotiate contracts sometimes, especially in infrastructure. But uninviting the US from a bridge opening? That’s a diplomatic snub. Canada is standing its ground, which is admirable. Shows that even close allies can have differences.
As someone who watches global trade closely, this is wild. Trump's 50% profit demand seems more like a political stunt than a real deal. The bridge is vital for Michigan-Ontario trade, $300 billion annually! Tariffs on dairy and autos hurt everyone. India faces similar issues with agricultural tariffs. Modi ji should take note.
I’m a truck driver in India, so I understand the importance of smooth trade routes. This Gordie Howe Bridge sounds like a game-changer for cross-border logistics. Canada cancelling the US inauguration is a big deal—it shows that mutual respect is key. Trump’s “fine, we get 50%” attitude won’t win friends.
This is peak "America First" diplomacy, but it’s backfiring. Canada is a trusted ally, and treating them like a business rival undermines the relationship. In India, we value long-term partnerships over short-term gains. The mayor of Windsor saying "It is a bit underwhelming" perfectly captures the sentiment.
The irony is thick—Trump complains about Canada's "discriminatory treatment" of US goods while imposing 50% tariffs. It's like the pot calling the kettle black. India also faces such trade disputes with the US over steel
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.