Despite Trump's Threats, Michigan Bridge To Ontario Will Go Ahead, Says Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has said that a key bridge connecting the state to Canada's Ontario will go ahead as planned despite President Donald Trump's earlier threat to block the bridge.

The Bridge Will Open As Planned

During Michigan's State Of The State address on Wednesday, which was Whitmer's final address as Governor, she confirmed that "for the first time in over a century, a new bridge connecting Michigan to Canada, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, will open."

Trump's Canada Row

Trump had criticized Ottawa's approach towards its trade partnerships with the U.S., saying that Canada had treated the U.S. “very unfairly for decades.” He also claimed that the bridge was built with "virtually no" U.S. content, circumventing the Buy American Act via a waiver given by the Barack Obama administration.

The criticism came as Trump slammed the Mark Carney-led country for its deal with China, which allows over 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter the market at a lower tariff, with the number potentially increasing to 70,000 in the future. Trump had threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canada if it made deals with China.

Canada Certifies US Jets

Meanwhile, Canada's Transport Regulator certified General Dynamics Corp-backed (NYSE:GD) Gulfstream aircraft, a move that was hailed by the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, after FAA's Administrator Bryan Bedford had earlier signalled that Transport Canada would certify the jets.

Trump had earlier revoked certification of all Canadian-made aircraft operating in the U.S., including the Global Express jet made by Canadian airplane manufacturer Bombardier (OTC:BDRBF), based in Quebec.

Check out more of Benzinga’s Future Of Mobility coverage by following this link.

Photo courtesy: Evan El-Amin on Shutterstock.com