Before Trump Blasted U.S.-Canada Bridge, Owner of Competing Span Lobbied Administration

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Tyler Pager and Matina Stevis-GridneffFebruary 10, 2026 at 11:48 PM

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Detroit billionaire Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada, met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hours before President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a competing span. The meeting occurred on Monday in Washington, D.C., and Lutnick reportedly spoke with Trump about the matter afterward. Trump's threat to block the new bridge, fully funded by Canada but co-owned by Michigan, came amidst strained relations between the U.S. and Canada, including trade disputes and questioning of Canadian sovereignty. The Gordie Howe bridge is intended to ease congestion in the busiest trade corridor between the two countries, but the Moroun family has long opposed the project, fearing it will reduce toll revenue from their bridge.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mexico 30% Commerce Department 50% Michigan ×250% Windsor ×360% Ambassador Bridge 70% Detroit ×470% United States ×370% Gordie Howe International Bridge ×270% Howard Lutnick ×480% Canada ×780% Matthew Moroun ×480% Donald Trump ×590%

Keywords

u.s.-canada relations 90% bridge dispute 80% lobbying 70% trade corridor 60% windsor, ontario 50% detroit 50% free-trade agreement 40% toll revenue 40%