On the morning of February 10 local time, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed in an interview that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump on the same morning regarding the dispute over the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Previously, Trump had threatened to block the bridge's opening unless the U.S. received "full compensation."

According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Trudeau appeared quite frustrated when explaining the situation, saying, "This issue will be resolved, and I have already explained it to him." He stated that although Canada fully paid for the bridge's construction, which cost about $4 billion, the project was completed through collaboration between Canadian and American workers, and the steel used also came from both countries. According to data provided by the Ontario provincial government, the project directly supported more than 12,000 jobs in Michigan, USA. Over 8,000 American skilled workers were deeply involved in the construction of the U.S. side of the 2.5-kilometer international bridge.

"This is clearly a great example of cooperation between our two countries," based on this, Trudeau believed that Trump's statement that the bridge had "very little American content" was obviously unfounded. However, he described the conversation as "a positive dialogue." Trudeau also revealed that during the call, he couldn't resist challenging Trump, predicting that the Canadian women's ice hockey team would defeat the U.S. team on the same day's Olympic game, saying, "Today's match, the winner will be us."

However, reality played a big joke on this Canadian prime minister, as the U.S. women's ice hockey team defeated the Canadian team 5-0 on the field that day.

Facebook post by the U.S. ice hockey team

The report states that this key passage connecting Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, USA, is legally co-owned by Canada and the state of Michigan. However, on the ninth, Trump posted on "Truth Social," stating that since the bridge's revenue into the U.S. market would be "astronomical," the U.S. should own "at least half of it," while Canada dared to "control both ends of the bridge."

Trump wrote bluntly in his post, "Canada now dares to expect me to allow them to continue 'taking advantage of the U.S.,' but what does the U.S. get? Nothing!" He complained that Canada had been "unfair to the U.S. for decades," and insisted that the bridge used "almost no American materials." "We gave them so much, perhaps we at least should own half of the bridge."

For this reason, Trump issued an ultimatum, stating, "Unless the U.S. receives full compensation, I will not allow the bridge to open. More importantly, Canada must give the U.S. the fairness and respect it deserves."

Additionally, Trump viewed this project as a "mess" left by his predecessor, angrily condemning former President Obama for approving the project as extremely "stupid." However, this claim was quickly refuted. Former Conservative Party MP Jeff Watson pointed out, "During your first term, the project had already officially started... At that time, you even personally urged to speed up the process."

Meanwhile, facing this sudden storm, Windsor Mayor Drew Dillinger told CBC, "When I read that post, I couldn't believe my eyes, but Trump's style has always been like this."

In contrast, Ontario Premier Doug Ford showed confidence. On the tenth, he told an interviewer, "There's nothing to worry about; I guarantee this bridge will open on time. It has to open because it's most in the interest of Americans themselves." Ford also mentioned that many politicians in Michigan were upset and criticized Trump's statements, supporting the bridge project. He even directly retorted, "If Trump really thinks the project is bad, why did he push for approval during his first term? Now suddenly changing his mind and saying the project is problematic, it's just ridiculous."

This newly completed international bridge, CBC

According to The Guardian, this is not the first time Trump has pressured Canada; previously, he had repeatedly threatened to impose high tariffs. As a countermeasure, Ontario had completely removed American spirits and wines from government-run liquor stores. On the tenth, Ford, who has always taken a strong stance, again made it clear that if necessary, he would "double the ban." He directly addressed Trump, saying, "Do you want to solve the problem? Then cancel the tariffs first."

The report states that Trump's remarks reflect his growing anxiety over the Canadian government's plans to strengthen trade with China. In January, he warned that if Canada insisted on reaching a trade agreement with China, the U.S. would impose a 100% punitive tariff on it. Trump accused Canada of possibly becoming a "transit hub" for Chinese goods to avoid U.S. tariffs and warned that China would "completely devour" Canada.

He even added seriously in his post, "Whether or not you believe it, the first thing China would do after 'devouring' Canada would be to terminate all of Canada's ice hockey games and permanently cancel the Stanley Cup."

Faced with the threat of losing the highest honor of the "national sport," the public responded with mockery and disdain, saying, "Anyway, the Canadian team hasn't won the Stanley Cup in decades, and we've long stopped caring about it."

Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Ryan said in a statement, "Whether or not the bridge closure threat actually materializes, this kind of behavior of creating uncertainty to pressure is itself a self-harming act that harms both sides."

The country's comedian Crichton succinctly expressed the general fatigue and confusion of the people: "It's a historic level of trolling to build a bridge with your own money and then not be allowed to pass through."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7605483594265510463/

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