US President Donald Trump on Friday played down Canada’s decision to cancel a joint inauguration ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, claiming that the United States had renegotiated the project’s financial terms to secure a 50 per cent share of its net profits.

The comments come as trade tensions between the two countries intensify following Washington’s decision to impose fresh tariffs on certain Canadian goods. Canadian officials, however, rejected Trump’s claim that the bridge agreement had been revised.

Trump Claims New Profit-Sharing Arrangement

In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to Canada’s decision to exclude the United States from the bridge’s opening ceremony, saying he was unconcerned by the move.

“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,” he wrote.

Trump also claimed that the original agreement governing the project, negotiated under a previous US administration, had been replaced.

According to Trump, the United States now receives 50 per cent of the bridge’s profits under revised terms.

Canada Rejects Trump’s Assertion

Canadian officials disputed the President’s claim that the 2012 agreement between Canada and the US state of Michigan had been altered.

Gregor Robertson, Canada’s Infrastructure Minister, said the agreement remained unchanged.

Following the cancellation of the joint ceremony, Robertson’s office said it would be inappropriate to hold a celebratory event with the United States after Washington announced additional tariffs on Canadian products earlier this week.

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains a vital infrastructure project that reflects years of hard work and will be a major economic driver,” the statement said.

Trade Dispute Casts Shadow Over Opening

The diplomatic disagreement comes after the United States announced an additional 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian goods, citing what it described as discriminatory treatment of American products in sectors including motor vehicles, dairy and alcoholic beverages.

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect 30 days after President Trump signed the relevant proclamations.

Local Canadian leaders expressed disappointment that the dispute had overshadowed the completion of one of North America’s largest infrastructure projects.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the situation reflected the current state of relations between the two countries.

“It’s regretful that this is what it’s come to. It just speaks to where we’re at with our relationship with the United States,” he said.

Bridge to Open on July 27

Canadian authorities held an inauguration ceremony on the Windsor side of the border on Friday to mark the completion of the cable-stayed bridge.

Representatives from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Bridging North America and members of the Howe family attended the event.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on July 27, providing a direct highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate 75.

The crossing is expected to strengthen trade along one of North America’s busiest commercial corridors, which handles approximately $300 billion in annual trade between Ontario and Michigan. It features six traffic lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 inspection lanes shared between Canadian and US border authorities.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share