For many years, the residents of Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, across the river in Canada, have enjoyed strong connections. However, these relations have worsened a month into President Donald Trump’s second term.
Don Gonyea, a host for NPR, who hails from Detroit and resides there, has personally observed the effects of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on U.S.-Canada relations. Additionally, Trump’s suggestion of turning Canada into the 51st state has sparked controversy. The long-standing bond between Detroit and Windsor is an apt example of this relationship’s current strain. Gonyea, accompanied by NPR producer Lauren Hodges, visited Detroit’s Riverside Park under the Ambassador Bridge to observe the proximity of Canada, merely half a mile across the Detroit River.
The Ambassador Bridge, a crucial commercial border crossing in North America, is near another developing project, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the famed Canadian and Detroit hockey player, Gordie Howe. This bridge represents the numerous ties between the U.S. and Canada. Gonyea, who grew up in Detroit, recalls Canadian media as a staple in his household, with Windsor residents frequently visiting Detroit for various leisure activities, thus maintaining a shared cultural connection.
Upon crossing the border, Gonyea and Hodges experienced a typical yet friendly checkpoint procedure, with a customs officer providing them with a lunch recommendation in Windsor. Such hospitality is a common occurrence on both sides of the border. Windsor hosts a popular bus tour, organized by Adriano Ciotoli of WindsorEats, that introduces Canadians to Detroit’s local bar scene, benefiting small establishments in the city.
Despite the popularity of these tours, they were recently halted due to the political climate since Trump’s reelection. Ciotoli views the current U.S. administration’s actions as a personal affront, likening it to a betrayal. This sentiment of betrayal is echoed among many Windsor residents interviewed.
The proposed tariffs on automobiles, lumber, and other goods are causing economic concern. However, Trump’s remarks about making Canada a U.S. state raise additional unease.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, commenting from his office, noted the complications in current US-Canada relations. As a fan of Detroit sports, Dilkens recalls positive cross-border interactions, which contrast sharply with recent negative rhetoric. This tension is further illustrated by reactions at sports events, using boos exchanged during national anthems as symbolically significant.
In reaction to U.S. policies, Dilkens has taken steps such as ending city subsidies for a cross-border commuter bus. The cancellation of Windsor’s sponsorship for the Detroit Grand Prix is a symbolic protest.
Amidst the rising tension, there is shared economic interdependence, particularly in the automotive sector, where production and workforce cooperation have long been beneficial to both nations.
Addressing these concerns, the chairman of Ford Motor Company has highlighted the detrimental impact that tariffs could have on the automotive industry. Mayor Dilkens emphasized the deep-rooted cooperation in these sectors and the broader implications of the political tension.
Despite fears about military intervention, Dilkens praised Canada’s unity in adversity, reflecting a resilience in Canadian identity and solidarity.
As the day ended, Gonyea and Hodges returned to Detroit, intending to visit one of the dive bars from the now-canceled tour, only to discover it’s rarely open these days, reflecting the broader economic uncertainties.
Lauren Hodges produced this report for NPR.
