President Trump's warning about potentially blocking the inauguration of the Gordie Howe Bridge reignites a long-standing competition over a critical trade gateway between the US and Canada.
On February 9, President Trump declared that the Gordie Howe Bridge would not open until Washington receives “full reimbursement” and Canada treats the US with “fairness and respect” regarding trade issues. This statement comes amid strained bilateral relations and as both countries prepare to review their trilateral trade agreement this year.
Strategic Trade Gateway
The Detroit–Windsor corridor handles approximately 25% of total US–Canada trade. For decades, vehicle traffic has relied almost entirely on the Ambassador Bridge, a nearly 100-year-old span controlled by the Moroun family since 1979.
The Ambassador Bridge has only four lanes and is frequently congested, particularly after NAFTA took effect in 1994. Trucks often wait for hours to cross the border.
The Gordie Howe Bridge, which began construction in 2018 at a cost of approximately $4.7 billion, is expected to connect directly to the highway systems on both sides, reducing congestion and ending the Ambassador Bridge's de facto monopoly.
Under a 2012 agreement between Canada and the state of Michigan, Canada collects tolls to recoup construction costs, while the US does not collect tolls. The bridge is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan.
The Moroun Family and Years of Lobbying
The Moroun family has repeatedly sought to delay or block the project. In 2012, they spent over $33 million supporting a ballot proposal to block the bridge plans, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Manuel “Matty” Moroun once proposed revoking the project’s permits. His son, Matthew Moroun, continues to oppose the project and has made significant financial contributions to several Republican politicians in Michigan and at the federal level.
Financial records show that Matthew Moroun has contributed over $605,000 to campaigns and fundraising committees linked to President Trump from 2019 onward. Some Republican lawmakers in Michigan have also received funding from the family and publicly support the President’s hardline stance.
Mixed Reactions
Democratic lawmakers, business groups, and former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder have warned that blocking the bridge's inauguration could damage supply chains and jobs in the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office emphasized that the project benefits the automotive industry and Michigan workers.
Meanwhile, some Republican politicians view the bridge as an effective trade negotiation tool with Canada.
It remains unclear what legal basis the federal government has to prevent the inauguration, which is scheduled for late this year. President Trump suggested that the US might seek to hold “at least half” of the bridge and share in toll revenue.
The next steps for the project will likely depend on US–Canada trade negotiations throughout this year.
Source: President Trump’s statements on Truth Social; campaign finance records; 2012 Michigan–Canada agreement; statements from Michigan officials.
