LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Political tensions are escalating over the Gordie Howe International Bridge as Michigan Democrats and former President Donald Trump’s campaign clash over the future of the project.
The dispute comes as reporting from The New York Times revealed that Detroit billionaire Matthew Moroun, whose family owns the Ambassador Bridge, met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shortly before Trump suggested he could block the new bridge’s opening. The Moroun family has opposed the project for years through legal challenges and lobbying efforts.
Michigan Democratic leaders warned that delaying or blocking the crossing could disrupt trade and manufacturing across the state.
“It’s the busiest border crossing between the United States and Canada,” U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell said. “It’s essential to Michigan jobs and to American manufacturing and supply chains across the country.”
The Gordie Howe bridge is expected to relieve congestion at the Ambassador Bridge and improve trade efficiency between the United States and Canada, Michigan’s largest trading partner.
Democratic lawmakers also emphasized that Canada financed most of the project.
“Michigan did not fund the construction. Canada did,” said state Rep. Helena Scott. “Canada financed nearly all of the projects after the U.S. declined to put federal dollars into it.”
Trump Press Secretary Karoline Levitt defended the president’s position, arguing the United States should have greater control over the crossing.
“The fact that Canada will control what crosses the Gordie Howe Bridge and owns the land on both sides is unacceptable to the president,” Levitt said. “He also believes the U.S. should own at least half of the bridge, have shared authority over what passes across it, and participate in the economic benefits generated by its use.”
Levitt added that Trump views the issue as part of a broader economic strategy.
“This is just another example of President Trump putting America’s interest first,” she said.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel pointed out that through the agreements made prior to beginning construction, the bridge is owned by both Canadian authorities and the State of Michgian.
“Threatening to block the bridge from opening would amount to economic sabotage against Michigan,” Hertel said. “Leading to higher prices, fewer jobs and greater uncertainty for our state’s auto industry.”
Dingell said the bridge’s opening could depend in part on federal staffing for customs and border operations, which involve the Department of Homeland Security. She said she is working with federal and Canadian officials to ensure the project moves forward.
“It’s a border crossing, so it’s got to be staffed,” Dingell said.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to become one of North America’s busiest trade corridors once it opens.
