U.S. President Trump’s bridge outrage is latest example of how corrupt the American political system has become

Some might argue the president’s grievances about the Gordie Howe International Bridge are simply an attempt to distract from the global discussion about his racist post featuring former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as monkeys.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 9 used his Truth Social account to say that he would block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless his country is compensated for everything it has given Canada. Meanwhile, the bridge, which has the support of Michigan lawmakers, has been fully funded by the Canadian government. Photograph courtesy of the White House/Molly Riley

Opinion

BY SHEILA COPPS

February 16, 2026

OTTAWA—If you build it, they will come. Except if opponents are friends of United States President Donald Trump.

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