The White House on Wednesday offered no explanation for President Donald Trump’s far-fetched claim on Truth Social that Canada’s closer trade relations with China would result in China eliminating Canada’s ice hockey and the Stanley Cup.
The comment on Monday was included in Trump’s threat to block the 2026 opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor unless Canada treats the United States “fairly” and renegotiates trade terms and the ownership of the bridge. Trump argued that Canada has “treated the United States very unfairly for decades.”
"Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "We’ll just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup."
Trump also complained about Canadian tariffs on U.S. dairy products, calling them “unacceptable” and saying they put American farmers at a “great financial risk.” “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,” he wrote.
Deadline Detroit reached out by email to the White House press office asking for an explanation of the comments about ice hockey and the Stanley Cup. The White House responded by asking when the deadline was for the story.
After being told 3 p.m., there was no response. A follow up by email after the deadline went unanswered.
Canada has been working to improve relations with China after Trump attacked the nation, threatening its trade and sovereignty. Last month, Canada agreed to cut its 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products.
Canada bankrolled the Gordie Howe bridge after the state of Michigan was reluctant to contribute. Under the agreement, both own the bridge, but Canada will get all the revenue from tolls until it recoups the money it spent.
After that, the revenue will be shared.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told the Windsor Star on Monday that Trump’s message about the bridge on Truth Social is “unhinged, moving from a lot of misinformation and untrue statements.”
