Key lawmakers are asking for details about meetings and communications concerning the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Democratic representatives are demanding more information regarding Matthew Moroun's involvement before President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This demand follows reports that Moroun, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge, met with a high-ranking official shortly before Trump's public statement.
Background: A New Bridge and Old Rivalries
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a project connecting Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, has been under construction and faced opposition for years. The Moroun family, owners of the existing Ambassador Bridge, have historically expressed concerns about this new span.
The Ambassador Bridge, owned by Matthew Moroun's Detroit International Bridge Company, is nearly a century old.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a newer, competing infrastructure project.
Moroun has also been a significant donor to Republican campaigns.
The construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge was supported by Detroit's automakers for faster delivery of auto parts and job creation.
Timeline of Events and Demands
Reports suggest a series of events in early February 2026, leading to intensified scrutiny from lawmakers.
Early February 2026: Reports emerge that Matthew Moroun met with Howard Lutnick, identified as a Commerce Secretary.
Hours after the meeting: President Donald Trump posted a threat on his social media platform, Truth Social, indicating he would block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge unless Canada made further trade concessions.
February 10, 2026: USA Today reported on the meeting between Moroun and a Trump administration official before Trump's threat.
February 12, 2026: CBC News detailed increased lobbying efforts by Moroun's companies prior to Trump's statements.
February 13, 2026: The Globe and Mail and MLive.com reported that Democrats launched an investigation and introduced legislation to protect the bridge from interference.
Simultaneously: CBS News Detroit highlighted that Representatives Robert Garcia and Rashida Tlaib are intensifying their calls for details about Moroun's meeting with Lutnick.
Key Actors and Their Alleged Roles
Several individuals and entities are central to this inquiry:
| Actor | Affiliation / Role | Alleged Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Moroun | Chairman, Detroit International Bridge Company | Owner of Ambassador Bridge; reportedly met with Howard Lutnick before Trump's threat. |
| Howard Lutnick | Commerce Secretary (reported) | Reportedly met with Matthew Moroun shortly before President Trump's public threat. |
| Donald Trump | Former President | Publicly threatened to block the Gordie Howe Bridge opening via social media. |
| Reps. Garcia & Tlaib | U.S. House of Representatives (Democrats) | Demanding documents and communications related to Moroun's meeting and the bridge. |
| The Moroun Family | Owners/operators of Ambassador Bridge | Significant Republican donors; have historically opposed the Gordie Howe Bridge. |
| Trump Administration | Executive branch under former President Trump | Allegations of using the bridge as leverage in trade negotiations. |
Congressional Demands for Information
Members of Congress, particularly Democrats, are actively seeking transparency.
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Reps. Robert Garcia and Rashida Tlaib have formally requested:
All documents and communications related to Matthew Moroun's meeting with Howard Lutnick.
All communications between the Moroun family, any White House official, or the Canadian government concerning the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
All communications involving the Commerce Department and the Moroun family, Canadian government, or White House officials regarding the bridges.
Lobbying Efforts and Financial Ties
Evidence suggests a coordinated effort to influence policy surrounding the Gordie Howe Bridge.
Increased Lobbying Spending: The Detroit International Bridge Company, operated by Moroun, reportedly ramped up its spending on lobbyists significantly in the period leading up to Trump's threat. This spending is noted as being higher than in previous years for such services.
Political Donations: The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, have a history of making substantial donations to Republican campaigns.
Expert Perspectives and Statements
Public statements highlight concerns about potential political influence and economic impacts.
"Democrats said they have launched an investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to stall the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge." - The Globe and Mail
"Following the meeting, Donald Trump threatened to shut down the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is a competitor of Moroun’s Ambassador Bridge." - Democrats.org
"Rep. Scholten said Michigan’s economic ties to Canada make the issue especially significant, noting that Canada is the state’s largest trading partner. Canada is our state’s largest trading partner, and projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge represent what’s possible when we work together across borders to prioritize jobs, commerce, and cooperation." - MLive.com
"Michigan officials this week have stressed the state's highly integrated relationship with Canada. Several top Republicans in the state have defended Trump's change of mind on the bridge, arguing it was appropriate leverage to use in negotiating a trade deal with Canada." - DetroitNews.com
Conclusion and Unanswered Questions
The core issue revolves around the timing and potential influence of meetings between Matthew Moroun and Howard Lutnick on President Trump's subsequent threat to delay the Gordie Howe International Bridge's opening. Congressional investigations are underway, seeking to uncover the full scope of communications and determine if political pressure was applied by the Ambassador Bridge owner to hinder a competing infrastructure project.
Key Question: Was Matthew Moroun's meeting with Howard Lutnick directly linked to President Trump's public threat regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
Investigation Focus: Lawmakers are probing for any documentary evidence or communications that could establish a causal relationship.
Economic Implications: The situation highlights the complex interplay between private business interests, political action, and international trade infrastructure.
Sources
CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/trump-gordie-howe-bridge-moroun-ambassador-ballard-9.7085529Summary indicates increased lobbying by bridge owners before Trump's threats.
CBS News Detroit: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/garcia-tlaib-seeking-information-ambassador-bridge-owner-meeting-lutnick/Details lawmakers' demands for information on Moroun's meeting with Lutnick.
Democrats.org: https://democrats.org/news/gop-megadonor-lobbied-trump-administration-to-block-opening-of-gordie-howe-bridge/Frames Moroun as a GOP megadonor lobbying to block the bridge.
The Globe and Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-democrats-donald-trump-gordie-howe-bridge-investigation/Reports on Democrats launching an investigation into Trump's threat.
Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/13/shocked-michigan-democrats-urge-trump-to-reverse-stance-gordie-howe-bridge-customs-workers/88665018007/Covers Michigan Democrats urging Trump to reverse his stance, mentioning the meeting.
MLive.com: https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2026/02/democrats-introduce-bill-to-protect-gordie-howe-bridge-from-trump-threats.htmlDetails Democrats introducing legislation to shield the bridge from interference.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/10/moroun-met-with-trump-top-official-gordie-howe-bridge-reports/88614180007/Reports Moroun met with a top official before Trump's threat.
