Trump threatens to block US-Canada bridge over trade dispute

President Donald Trump threatened Monday to prevent the opening of a bridge that will connect Michigan to Canada unless Ottawa negotiates with Washington on tariffs and the exclusion of American products.

In a lengthy article on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of taking advantage of the United States with unfair trade practices and moving closer to China.

In an effort to bring Canada to the negotiating table, Trump said he would not allow the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is named after the legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings. The bridge, currently under construction, will connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States has been fully compensated for everything we have given it and, most importantly, Canada treats the United States with the fairness and respect we deserve,” Trump wrote.

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President Donald Trump threatened Monday to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada negotiates with the United States on tariffs. (Getty Images)

“We’re going to start negotiations IMMEDIATELY. With everything we’ve given them, maybe we should own at least half of this asset,” he added.

He cited the removal of American alcohol products from the shelves of Canadian liquor stores in Ontario.

Trump has already accused Canada of taking advantage of American trade policy. In his message, Trump said Canada had moved forward with building the bridge with “virtually no American content.”

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Trump alleged that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “wants to make a deal with China – that will eat Canada alive.” (Renaud Philippe/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

He criticized former President Barack Obama for “foolishly” granting Canada a waiver so he could circumvent the Buy American Act, which requires federal agencies to buy materials made in the United States and made primarily from U.S.-produced components.

Trump accused Canada of not using American products, including steel.

“Now the Canadian government expects me, as President of the United States, to ALLOW them to simply “Enjoy America!” » What does the United States of America get – Absolutely NOTHING! » he wrote. “Ontario won’t even put American spirits, beverages and other alcoholic products on its shelves, it is absolutely forbidden to do so and now, of all things, Premier Carney wants to make a deal with China – that will eat Canada alive. We will only have the leftovers! I don’t think so.”

Trump alleged that by moving closer to China, Canada would endanger its national sport: ice hockey. (Fred Dufour/AFP via Getty Images)

By moving closer to China, Canada would jeopardize its national sport: ice hockey, Trump said.

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“The first thing China will do is end ALL ice hockey games in Canada and eliminate the Stanley Cup for good,” he said.

Fox News Digital contacted the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.