WASHINGTON – Democrats have initiated an investigation into President Donald Trump's recent threats concerning the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Ontario, Canada, to Michigan, USA. Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, expressed serious concerns in a press release published on Wednesday, criticizing Trump's stance as detrimental to the U.S. economy and American jobs.
In a social media post made late Monday, Trump suggested that he must be compensated before he allows the bridge to open, making inaccurate claims about the bridge's construction materials, asserting that it was built with virtually no U.S. content. He stated, "Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just ‘take advantage of America!'" Trump emphasized that the U.S. would receive "Absolutely NOTHING!" from the project.
The New York Times reported that Trump's comments followed a meeting between Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, and Matthew Moroun, a billionaire whose family owns the competing Ambassador Bridge. The Moroun family has consistently opposed the Gordie Howe Bridge, which has become a significant point of contention due to their political connections as major Republican donors.
The Gordie Howe Bridge project has faced numerous challenges over the years, but a 2012 agreement signed by then-Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, established that Canada would fund the bridge's construction, with the investment being recouped through toll revenues. The Trump administration showed support for the project during its first term in 2017, indicating a shift in political dynamics regarding infrastructure development.
In response to Trump’s comments, Rep. Garcia wrote a letter to Lutnick, accusing him of prioritizing the interests of a politically-connected donor family over the welfare of American commerce. Garcia called the situation "flatly unacceptable and undeniably corrupt," arguing against allowing wealthy donors to influence foreign and economic policy. He requested all communications between Lutnick, the Moroun family, and the Trump administration regarding both the Gordie Howe and Ambassador bridges.
Additionally, Garcia sought information on all communications with the Moroun family related to Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting the intertwining of political decisions and financial interests. Following a conversation with President Trump regarding the Gordie Howe Bridge, Carney stated that he clarified that Canada is solely responsible for the bridge’s construction, with ownership divided between Michigan and the Canadian government. Carney expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved, suggesting that diplomatic efforts might alleviate tensions surrounding the bridge’s opening.
The Gordie Howe Bridge is projected to open sometime this winter, a timeline that remains uncertain amidst these political developments. The growing scrutiny from Democrats indicates ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's dealings and broader economic interests, as the stakes for both the U.S. and Canada hinge on the completion of this cross-border infrastructure project.
