Trade, Tension as Trump Threatens US–Canada Bridge Opening

United States President, Donald Trump, has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking the US and Canada, insisting that Washington must be “fully compensated” for what he claimed America had given to its northern neighbour.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said the bridge would not be allowed to open until Canada treats the United States with what he described as “fairness and respect”.

He also argued that the US should own “at least one half” of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure, claiming that Canada controls both sides of the crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Ontario in Canada with the US state of Michigan and spans the Detroit River.

The project, estimated to cost about 6.4 billion Canadian dollars, is funded by the Canadian government and is being developed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian federal Crown corporation.

The bridge is to be publicly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, on Tuesday said he had a “positive” conversation with Trump on the issue.

Carney noted that he reminded the US president that Canada paid for the bridge and that it was constructed by both American and Canadian workers using steel sourced from the two countries.

He described the bridge as a strong example of cooperation between the two neighbours and expressed optimism that it would open as scheduled.

According to Carney, Trump suggested that the US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, a Michigan native, should help smooth discussions surrounding the project.

Trump’s threat has, however, drawn criticism from US lawmakers in Michigan, who warned of economic consequences.

Michigan Senator, Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, said blocking the opening of the bridge would be “awful” for the state’s economy, warning that it could lead to higher costs for businesses, weaker supply chains and job losses.

Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, also rejected Trump’s position, saying the bridge would create jobs and strengthen trade in her state.

Her spokesperson described the project as a product of bipartisan and international cooperation.

Despite Trump’s claim that negotiations would begin immediately, it remains unclear how the US president could legally prevent the opening of the bridge, which is expected to begin operations later this year after final tests and approvals.

Construction began in 2018 after more than a decade of planning and diplomatic wrangling.

Trump also accused former President Barack Obama of allowing construction to begin without the use of US steel, an allegation denied by officials on the Canadian side.

The Mayor of Windsor, Ontario, Drew Dilkens, dismissed the claim, describing it as false and “insane”.

Senegal Police Arrest 14 in Transnational Paedophile Ring Linked to France

Senegalese authorities have arrested 14 people suspected of operating a paedophile gang spanning Senegal and France, police announced.

The group, active since 2017, is accused of organised paedophilia, pimping, rape of minors under 15, sodomy, and intentional transmission of HIV, with victims allegedly forced into unprotected sex with HIV-positive men.

Four suspects reportedly acted under the direction of a French national arrested in France in April 2025, receiving money in return.

Coordinated raids were carried out in Dakar and Kaolack, with evidence seized and the 14 suspects appearing before a judge on Friday.

The operation was conducted with French police support, and authorities urged the public to report information via a toll-free line.

55 Migrants Perish as Boat Overturns Off Libyan Coast

At least 53 migrants, including two babies, have died after a rubber boat overturned off the coast of Libya, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported.

Only two Nigerian women survived and were rescued by Libyan authorities on Friday.

The vessel sank about six hours after leaving al-Zawiya, north-west Libya, carrying migrants from several African countries.

Survivors told IOM they lost family members, including infants.

IOM said nearly 500 migrants have died or gone missing attempting the Mediterranean crossing from Libya so far in 2026, with traffickers forcing people onto overcrowded, unsafe boats.

The agency called for stronger international efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and create safer migration pathways.