Overview
- A campaign finance report filed Friday shows Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun donated $1 million to MAGA Inc. on Jan. 16, a contribution first reported by the New York Times and highlighted by CBC and Michigan Advance.
- On Feb. 9, hours after Moroun reportedly met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the president posted that he would block or delay the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada made concessions.
- The Moroun family has long opposed the Gordie Howe project because it is expected to divert traffic and toll revenue from the privately owned Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor.
- Just days before the threat, the Department of Homeland Security on Jan. 30 formally designated the Gordie Howe crossing as a U.S. port of entry, reflecting previous federal support for the project.
- Spokespeople for MAGA Inc. and the White House said the president’s position was unrelated to the donation, as commentators point to prior reporting on donations followed by favorable actions now drawing renewed scrutiny.