Mark Carney reminds Trump that Canada paid for key border bridge US president says he won’t open | Donald Trump
Mark Carney says he had a “positive” conversation with Donald Trump after the US leader threatened to close a key bridge between the two countries and reminded the president that Canada had paid for the structure and the US shared ownership.
Late Monday, Trump posted a lengthy message on social media, falsely claiming that the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, has “almost no U.S. content.”
In his post, Trump also claimed that Canada owns both ends of the bridge and made the strange claim that increased trade between Canada and China would include banning Canadians from playing ice hockey.
“Now the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to LET them ‘take advantage of America!’ What does the United States get – Absolutely NOTHING!” he wrote.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of an ice hockey match between the two countries at the Olympics, Carney downplayed Trump’s comments and told reporters in French that “the situation will be resolved.”
“I explained that Canada paid for the construction of the bridge… that ownership was shared between the state of Michigan and the Canadian government, and that Canadian steel and Canadian workers were clearly involved in the construction of the bridge, as well as U.S. steel and U.S. workers,” he said. “This is a great example of cooperation between our countries.”
Trump accused his predecessor, Barack Obama, of “stupidly” approving the bridge project. But former Conservative MP Jeff Watson noted: “Construction began in earnest in your first term as President… You made that call then. fast construction” of the bridge.
“This is so crazy, I can’t believe what I’m reading when I read this article, but this is normal,” Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC News.
Since winning a second term, Trump has focused much of his attention and anger on Canada; He repeated many of his long-standing grievances in meandering social media posts, including his frustration with the dairy industry and China.
In his second term, Trump made a series of threats against Canada and greatly increased tariffs. Canada’s most populous province pulled U.S. spirits and wine from the shelves of government-run liquor stores after the president imposed tariffs on goods such as steel, aluminum and automobiles.
“Ontario will not even put US spirits, beverages and other alcoholic products on their shelves, they are strictly prohibited from doing so,” Trump wrote.
On Tuesday, Ontario’s populist premier, Doug Ford, said he would “double down.” [on the US liquor ban] If we have to” and adds: “Do you want to fix it? Get rid of tariffs.”
Trump’s latest tirade reflects his clearly growing concern about Carney’s plans to increase trade with China; it was a move the president initially praised.
Last month, he said he would impose 100% tariffs on Canada if a trade deal was struck with China.
“China… will eat Canada alive,” Trump wrote Monday, adding: “The first thing China will do is put an end to ALL Ice Hockey played in Canada and permanently eliminate the Stanley Cup.”
Canadians mocked Trump’s outlandish claim that China would force Canada to give up both its national pastime and professional hockey’s most coveted prize as part of a trade deal with Beijing.
“If Trump had known about Puck, he would have known that Canada wouldn’t have to worry about the Stanley Cup for several decades.” A user wrote to XThis is a nod to Canada not having won the grand prize since 1993.
“Whether this is real or simply a threat to keep uncertainty high – blocking bridges or building roadblocks is a self-defeating act,” Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candace Laing said in a statement.
“Through decades of collaboration, Canada and the United States are building together, creating jobs together, and competing globally together.”
Comedian Mark Critch summarize Tired disbelief among Canadians: “Saying we can’t cross the bridge is epic troll behavior.”
