Canada canceled Friday's joint opening ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods.

Trade dispute chills opening of Gordie Howe Bridge

White House spokesman Kush Desai responded to EFE about the participation of the United States in the joint ceremony and the countries' investment in the bridge and assured that "nothing will change the fact that President Trump renegotiated an incredible agreement for the United States regarding the Gordie Howe Bridge."

Desai added that “nothing will stop President Trump from negotiating more good deals for American workers, industries and taxpayers.”

The Government of Canada stated that "given the threats of trade measures by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to move forward with a celebration event between the two countries," Jenna Ghassabeh, spokesperson for Canada's Infrastructure Minister, Gregor Robertson, said on Tuesday.

Despite the discrepancy, the Canadian Executive is “committed” to the inauguration of the bridge on July 27, according to the statement sent by email.

The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) bridge spans the Detroit River, connecting Detroit to Windsor, and is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

The inauguration ceremony was initially scheduled for June 12, but was postponed after authorities stated that the United States and Canada were still working to resolve “unfinished business.”

Tensions between Washington and Ottawa over tariffs have gone through different phases of intensity in the last year and were reactivated last week after Trump threatened to impose new tariffs after accusing Canada of negligence over the wildfires.