White House calls Canada’s role in Gordie Howe bridge “unacceptable” after Trump-Carney call

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 11, 2026

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The White House said President Donald Trump considers it “unacceptable” that Canada would control what crosses the Gordie Howe International Bridge and owns land on both sides of the project, following a Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney told reporters the dispute will be resolved and said he explained that Canada paid for construction but the bridge is jointly owned by the Government of Canada and the state of Michigan.

The Associated Press reported that a White House official said Trump could amend the presidential permit required for international infrastructure projects, and the White House also raised concerns about the level of U.S.-made materials used in construction.

The bridge, a major trade corridor linking Detroit and Windsor, is expected to open in early 2026, with costs financed through toll revenue over roughly 30 years, according to Reuters.