Trump may have limited authority to block the Windsor-Detroit crossing

President Trump posted that he would not allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open unless the U.S. is "fully compensated," and a University of Windsor political scientist says it would be difficult but not impossible for a president to stop the crossing from opening.

President Donald Trump said on social media he would not allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open unless the United States is "fully compensated." The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says major construction is complete and that testing and commissioning are underway ahead of an expected opening sometime this year. A University of Windsor political scientist says a president faces limits on stopping the crossing outright but could use emergency authority in some cases. The comments have introduced fresh uncertainty for a project that has been in planning and development for years. Known details: - The president's social media post said he would not allow the bridge to open unless the U.S. is "fully compensated." - The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority reports major construction is complete and testing and commissioning are underway, with an expected opening sometime this year. - Under a 2012 crossing agreement with Michigan, Canada covered the full upfront cost of the project and expects to recover the investment through toll revenue. - The bridge will be publicly owned by Canada and Michigan despite Canada providing the upfront financing. - Jamey Essex, a political science professor at the University of Windsor, said there is no obvious legal switch to stop the opening but that a president could try to use emergency authority, which would likely prompt challenges from other governments and stakeholders. Summary: The president's remarks have added political and legal uncertainty to a long-running cross-border infrastructure project and have drawn attention from officials and local stakeholders. Testing and commissioning are underway with an expected opening this year; whether the crossing will open as planned is undetermined at this time.