In a new escalation of tensions between the two North American neighbors, US President Donald Trump threatened to halt the opening of the new Gordy Howe International Bridge, a vital artery under construction connecting the United States and Canada. This threat comes amid a series of inflammatory statements Trump has made since returning to the White House in January 2025, including previous suggestions to annex Canada as the 51st state.

New US conditions for opening the bridge

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, expressed a hardline stance on the project, stating that the United States should own "at least half" of the bridge connecting the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of Michigan. The US president asserted that he "will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated," justifying this by claiming that Canada owns both sides of the bridge and used virtually no American products in its construction, which he deemed unfair to the American economy.

The Chinese dimension and escalating trade tensions

The bridge crisis cannot be separated from its broader geopolitical context, as Trump has linked his anger to recent Canadian moves toward China. Washington threatened to impose punitive tariffs of up to 100% on Canada in response to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Beijing last month, which culminated in the signing of a preliminary trade agreement with China. Trump views this move as undermining American interests and an attempt by Canada to play both sides at a time when Washington is seeking to curb Chinese economic influence.

The strategic importance of Gordie Howe Bridge

The bridge, named after the late Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, holds immense economic and logistical importance. Construction began in 2018 at an estimated cost of $4.7 billion, and it is scheduled to open later this year. The corridor between Windsor and Detroit is the busiest trade crossing between the two countries, handling billions of dollars' worth of goods annually, and is crucial to the North American automotive industry's supply chains.

The future of US-Canada relations

These threats raise serious concerns about the future of trade and diplomatic relations between Washington and Ottawa. Since Trump's return to power, relations have been noticeably strained due to trade issues and his controversial statements regarding Canadian sovereignty. Should the threat to halt the bridge's opening or impose tariffs be carried out, the economic repercussions would be severe for both sides, potentially reshaping the map of economic alliances on the continent.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent congratulatory telegrams to His Excellency President Antonio José Seguro on the occasion of his victory in the presidential elections in the Republic of Portugal, in a step that reflects the depth of diplomatic and protocol relations that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to strengthen with friendly countries.

In his telegram, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for success to His Excellency in his new presidential duties, affirming the Kingdom's commitment to maintaining strong bonds of friendship. The telegram also included the King's wishes for further progress and prosperity for the friendly people of the Republic of Portugal, noting the importance of stability and growth, which nations aspire to at this time.

Strengthening bilateral relations

For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar congratulatory cable to His Excellency President António José Seguro. His Royal Highness expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for success and prosperity to His Excellency and to the friendly people of the Republic of Portugal for continued progress and advancement. This message of congratulations reflects the Saudi leadership's commitment to strengthening international relations and building bridges of communication with world leaders.

This congratulatory message holds particular significance within the context of Saudi-Portuguese relations. The Kingdom and the Republic of Portugal enjoy longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation, encompassing diverse economic and cultural fields. Exchanging congratulations on national occasions and elections is a well-established diplomatic custom that reflects mutual respect and a shared desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.

Prospects for future cooperation

The victory of President António José Seguro in the presidential elections is seen as a significant event on the Portuguese political scene, with the international community looking forward to Portugal continuing to play its vital role within the European Union and on the global stage. Messages from the Saudi leadership affirm the Kingdom's support for development and stability efforts in Portugal and its eagerness to work with the new leadership to promote international peace and security, as well as to explore investment and economic cooperation opportunities that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the shared interests of both sides.

In a significant development in a case that has captivated global public opinion for years, the US Department of Justice has granted members of Congress full access to unredacted files related to the case of the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. This move comes in response to mounting pressure and widespread controversy sparked by previous redactions that omitted the names of prominent figures mentioned in recently released documents, raising questions about transparency in handling this sensitive case.

Controversy over censorship and concealing names

Although U.S. law explicitly prohibits the concealment of government information to avoid embarrassment or political sensitivity, several members of Congress, led by Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, have expressed deep skepticism regarding the extensive redactions of more than three million documents. Khanna released examples of emails in which the names of correspondents who contacted Epstein were redacted, emphasizing that concealing the identities of politically or economically powerful figures is a clear violation of the law and an infringement on the public's right to know.

Ghislaine Maxwell and the presidential pardon bargain

In related legal developments, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's partner convicted of involvement in his sex trafficking ring, refused to answer questions from a U.S. House of Representatives committee. Her defense team stated that their client would not cooperate with the ongoing investigation unless she received a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump, further complicating the investigation and efforts to uncover the full truth.

Background to the case: A complex web of relationships and an ambiguous ending

The roots of this case lie in the accusations against Jeffrey Epstein of running a vast network for trafficking and sexually exploiting underage girls—charges that rocked American and international circles due to Epstein's extensive network of connections. His name was linked to powerful political and economic figures, as well as celebrities and members of royal families, making his case a ticking time bomb that many feared would explode.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Manhattan Correctional Center in August 2019, while awaiting trial, in an incident officially recorded as a suicide, but which continues to fuel conspiracy theories and suspicions to this day about whether someone wanted to silence him forever.

The importance and impact of opening files

The Justice Department's decision to release the files to Congress is of paramount importance, extending far beyond its domestic legal dimensions. It is seen as a true test of the integrity of American institutions and their ability to hold the powerful accountable. The release of redacted names and details of correspondence is expected to trigger political and social upheavals that could affect the reputations of prominent figures and reshape the public discourse surrounding issues of abuse of power and influence. Furthermore, Congress's insistence on uncovering the truth reflects a desire to restore public trust in a justice system whose image has been tarnished by the secrecy surrounding this case for years.