Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) used the wildfire smog descending over much of the United States to make threats against Canada, from where the fires originated — but didn’t get the reaction he may have been hoping for on social media.
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“This was my view flying into Lansing this afternoon because Canadian wildfire smoke is pouring into Michigan,” wrote Barrett on X. “Do you think we should delay the Gordie Howe Bridge opening until Canada takes responsibility and gets control of these fires?”
The Gordie Howe Bridge is a massive new infrastructure project that connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, widely expected to be a massive economic boon on both sides of the border. President Donald Trump already delayed its opening as part of his trade war.
Barrett, who represents a battleground district in central Michigan, included a poll of his followers on whether to delay the bridge opening or not — and as of press time, the vote was nearly 4:1 against his idea.
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Commenters on social media were also quick to voice their derision.
Harrison Faulkner, an independent journalist, responded by posting a snapshot of the 561 currently active wildfires in the United States, covering almost 950,000 acres.
“Sure, Tom. Let’s penalize Michigan consumers and harm Michigan’s economy to satisfy your idiocy,” wrote Lincoln Project strategist Jeff Timmer.
“The sheer idiocy knows no bounds … but at least the GOP has rediscovered we’re a sovereign country, even if it’s just to blow a thick cloud of profound ignorance into the info sphere,” wrote Canadian legislative reporter Ben O’Hara Byrne.
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