Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Raymond J. de Souza: Trump is a gangster dressed up like a president

The Gordie Howe Bridge dispute is his latest Mafia-style shakedown

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Gangsterism as a public policy technique was aptly summarized more than 40 years ago in The Empire Strikes Back.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Lando Calrissian: “That wasn’t part of the deal!”

Raymond J. de Souza: Trump is a gangster dressed up like a president Back to video

Darth Vader: “I am altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.”

Lando: “This deal is getting worse all the time!”

Gangsterism explained the Trump administration’s “alteration” of the 2012 agreement for the building of the Gordie Howe Bridge from Windsor to Detroit. President Donald Trump refused to honour it, delaying the scheduled opening last month — invitations had already been sent out — and demanding a share of the toll revenues from the bridge. Canada had paid entirely for the multi-billion-dollar bridge; the original agreement was that Canada would collect and keep the tolls entirely until the construction costs were recouped — a period estimated to take as long as 50 years. After that, Canada........

© National Post