Windsor Mayor: Trump’s Threats on Gordie Howe Bridge Opening ‘Insane’
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats regarding the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Following a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed intentions to hinder the bridge’s opening until the U.S. receives compensation and fair treatment from Canada.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on the Gordie Howe Bridge
In his post, Trump claimed, “With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset.” This statement has drawn outrage from local officials, including Dilkens, who described the president’s remarks as “just insane.” He emphasized the importance of the bridge for both nations.
Response from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
- Dilkens expressed disbelief over Trump’s comments, calling them typical of the current political climate.
- He believes the bridge will eventually open, viewing Trump’s remarks as merely a minor obstacle.
- Dilkens noted that under normal circumstances, the bridge’s inauguration would involve a celebratory gesture between the Canadian Prime Minister and the U.S. President.
Dilkens lamented that the political environment fostered by Trump has hindered the potential for collaborative celebrations between the two nations.
Details About the Gordie Howe International Bridge
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which has been fully funded by the Canadian federal government, is a significant public-private partnership. Its costs are expected to be recovered through tolls upon opening. As of 2024, the budget for the bridge has risen to $6.4 billion.
- Original expected opening: Fall 2025, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Current expectation: Opening in the coming months.
Importance of the New Bridge
This new crossing will connect Ontario’s Highway 401 to Michigan’s I-75, becoming the third border crossing between Windsor and Detroit, alongside the Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.
The Gordie Howe bridge has been controversial, inciting legal battles primarily from the Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge. They claim the new bridge infringes on their toll collection rights and have sought Trump’s intervention in the past. Despite the earlier appeals, Trump endorsed the project in 2017, acknowledging it as a vital economic corridor for both nations.
With ongoing discussions about the bridge’s opening, local officials remain optimistic about its completion and the economic benefits it will bring.
