Trump Threatens Gordie Howe Bridge Opening After Meeting with Rival Owner

President Trump is threatening to block the new Gordie Howe Bridge from opening. This comes after a meeting with the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, a rival crossing.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

Tensions Rise Over Canada-U.S. Border Crossing

President Donald Trump's recent threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has introduced significant tension into U.S.-Canada border relations. The new bridge, intended to ease commerce between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, faces an uncertain future as the U.S. president demands further trade concessions from Canada. This situation has prompted inquiries into potential influences on the U.S. administration's stance, particularly concerning meetings held shortly before the president's public statements.

U.S. Homeland Security made Gordie Howe bridge an official border crossing — just before Trump threat - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project has been a long-standing initiative, with Canada funding its construction. A decade ago, the U.S. and Canadian governments agreed that Canada would finance a U.S. customs plaza, with the U.S. committing to staffing and operating it.

U.S. Homeland Security made Gordie Howe bridge an official border crossing — just before Trump threat - 2

  • Recent Developments: On February 10, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a threat via social media to prevent the Gordie Howe Bridge from opening. He cited trade grievances with Canada and demanded shared ownership of the bridge, among other unspecified conditions.

  • Key Individuals:

  • Donald Trump: U.S. President, who issued the threat to block the bridge's opening.

  • Matthew Moroun: Owner of the Ambassador Bridge, a competing crossing between Detroit and Windsor. Reports indicate he met with a Trump administration official prior to the president's threat.

  • Gary Lutnick: President and CEO of Newmark Group, reportedly met with Moroun and then contacted Trump before the president's public statement.

  • Kristi Noem: U.S. Homeland Security nominee, who assured during her confirmation hearing that the U.S. would staff the bridge's customs plaza.

  • Mark Carney: Canadian Prime Minister, who reportedly spoke with Trump regarding the bridge.

  • Pete Hoekstra: Trump's ambassador to Canada, who has echoed the president's stance on trade.

  • Democratic Lawmakers: Representatives from Michigan and members of the House Oversight Committee have initiated investigations into the administration's actions and communications.

  • Conflicting Stances: While President Trump has taken an antagonistic approach, some Michigan Republicans, like State House Speaker Matt Hall, have supported his arguments regarding U.S.-Canada relations. Conversely, Democratic lawmakers and Michigan Senators have expressed concerns that Trump's actions jeopardize economic benefits and years of bipartisan work.

Evidence of Pre-Threat Meeting

Reports suggest a meeting occurred shortly before President Trump's public threat.

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U.S. Homeland Security made Gordie Howe bridge an official border crossing — just before Trump threat - 3

  • New York Times Report: Cited unnamed sources indicating that Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, met with Gary Lutnick, who then contacted President Trump. This meeting reportedly took place before Trump's social media post threatening to block the Gordie Howe Bridge.

  • U.S.A. Today and CTV News: Also reported on this meeting between Moroun and a Trump administration official, with Lutnick identified as the intermediary.

Demands for Transparency and Investigation

The circumstances surrounding President Trump's threat have led to calls for greater scrutiny.

U.S. Homeland Security made Gordie Howe bridge an official border crossing — just before Trump threat - 4

  • Democratic Probe: House Democrats, particularly those representing Michigan districts, are launching an investigation. They are seeking records related to the Gordie Howe Bridge and any communications with Matthew Moroun.

  • Lobbying Efforts: The Ambassador Bridge company, owned by the Moroun family, has a history of significant lobbying expenditures directed at the Trump administration. The Moroun family are also noted Republican donors.

Disputed Claims on Bridge Construction

President Trump's assertion regarding the materials used in the Gordie Howe Bridge construction has been contested.

  • Trump's Claim: He stated that the bridge utilized Canadian steel and concrete, implying a lack of U.S. involvement.

  • Counterarguments:

  • U.S. Steel and Workers: Officials like Rick Snyder (former Michigan Governor), Tom Dilkens (Windsor Mayor), and Mark Carney have stated that U.S. steel and workers were indeed used for the Michigan side of the bridge and the U.S. Port of Entry.

  • Proportional Use: Premier Doug Ford of Ontario noted that while Canada paid for the bridge and used 75% Canadian steel and concrete, 25% was sourced from the U.S.

Impact on the Gordie Howe Bridge Project

President Trump's threats could derail years of planning and investment.

  • Economic Ramifications: Michigan Senators and Democratic lawmakers have warned that the president's comments jeopardize the economic benefits of the new bridge for Michigan.

  • U.S. Commitments: The U.S. government had previously committed to staffing and financing the operation of the customs plaza, a key element of the cross-border agreement. Trump's stance raises questions about the future of this commitment.

  • Joint Ownership: The bridge is planned to operate under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada, a structure that President Trump has challenged.

Expert Analysis

"The timing of the meeting and the subsequent threat raises probing questions about undue influence in trade negotiations and border infrastructure decisions. Was this a coordinated effort to leverage existing trade relationships or a genuine reaction to perceived unfairness in the trade balance?"

"The conflict highlights a broader pattern of using trade disputes as a bargaining tool. The implications for economic stability and international cooperation are significant, particularly when such actions directly impact vital infrastructure projects."

Conclusion and Next Steps

President Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge introduces significant uncertainty into a project aimed at bolstering U.S.-Canada trade. The reported meeting between the owner of a rival bridge and a Trump administration official, preceding the threat, has prompted investigations by Democratic lawmakers. Discrepancies also exist regarding the claims about U.S. materials used in the bridge's construction. The situation puts Michigan's economy at risk and challenges established agreements regarding the bridge's operation and staffing.

  • Further Investigation: Democratic committees are seeking records and communications to understand the administration's motivations and potential influences.

  • Diplomatic Engagement: Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Carney, have engaged directly with President Trump to address concerns.

  • Economic Impact Assessment: The potential consequences for Michigan and cross-border commerce are under evaluation by state and federal officials.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did President Trump threaten to block the Gordie Howe Bridge opening on February 10, 2026?
President Trump threatened to block the bridge's opening due to trade disagreements with Canada. He demanded shared ownership and other unspecified concessions.
Q: Was there a meeting before President Trump's threat about the Gordie Howe Bridge?
Yes, reports say Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge (a rival crossing), met with Gary Lutnick, who then contacted President Trump before the threat was made public.
Q: What are the concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers about the Gordie Howe Bridge situation?
Democratic lawmakers, especially from Michigan, are worried Trump's actions could hurt Michigan's economy. They are investigating potential influences and seeking records of communications.
Q: What did President Trump claim about the materials used in the Gordie Howe Bridge construction?
President Trump claimed the bridge used only Canadian steel and concrete. However, officials state that U.S. steel and workers were used for the Michigan side and the U.S. customs plaza.
Q: What is the potential impact of President Trump's threats on the Gordie Howe Bridge project?
The threats could delay or stop the bridge opening, jeopardizing economic benefits for Michigan. It also raises questions about the U.S. commitment to staff the customs plaza as agreed.