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Oversight Democrat Investigates Commerce Secretary as Michigan Lawmakers Seek to Shield Gordie Howe Bridge

The moves follow President Trump’s threat to block the Canada‑financed crossing after a reported Lutnick meeting with Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun.

Overview

  • House Oversight ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia opened an inquiry into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s meeting with Matthew Moroun and requested related communications and documents.
  • Michigan’s Democratic delegation introduced the MichiganCanada Partnership Act to prohibit federal interference with the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s opening and operation.
  • The New York Times reported that Lutnick met Moroun hours before Trump threatened to halt the bridge’s opening, a sequence other outlets noted they had not independently confirmed.
  • Lobbying records show the Ambassador Bridge company revived work with Trump‑connected Ballard Partners in August 2025, paying about $250,000 after previously spending at least $2.5 million, while Moroun made sizable Republican donations including $250,000 to the RNC.
  • Canada financed the roughly $5.7–$6 billion project and plans to recoup costs through tolls under a 2012 agreement with joint ownership, as Trump demands U.S. compensation and greater U.S. content that Canadian and Michigan officials dispute.