President Donald J. Trump announced on Truth Social that he will withhold approval for the new bridge connecting Ontario, Canada, and Michigan until Canada provides full compensation for long-standing trade imbalances. The president cited high Canadian tariffs on U.S. dairy products, restrictions on American alcohol and other goods, and the bypassing of the Buy American Act under former President Barack Obama.

Trump criticized Canada for benefiting from American markets while failing to reciprocate fair trade practices. “Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just ‘take advantage of America’? Absolutely NOTHING!” he wrote. He noted the bridge was constructed almost entirely without U.S. steel or materials due to Obama-era waivers.

The president also expressed concern over Canada’s reported willingness to pursue deals with China, warning that such arrangements could harm Canadian industries. He emphasized the need for immediate negotiations, suggesting that the United States should own at least half of the bridge given its revenue potential. “With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical,” Trump stated.

Trump’s post reinforces his long-standing position that Canada’s protectionist policies on dairy, alcohol, and other goods are unacceptable. The president signaled that U.S. infrastructure and trade projects will not move forward without concrete respect for American interests, marking a tougher enforcement approach on trade fairness.

By linking the bridge’s operation directly to trade negotiations, Trump is sending a clear message to Canadian officials that the era of exploiting U.S. openness is over.