Moroun lobbies Lutnick before Trump threatens Gordie Howe Bridge

On February 9, 2026, Matthew Moroun met in Washington with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to lobby against the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new crossing between Detroit and Windsor scheduled to open in early 2026 that would compete with the Moroun family's Ambassador Bridge for toll revenues. Lutnick called President Trump after the meeting. Hours later, Trump posted on social media that he would 'not allow' the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge until the United States was 'fully compensated' and Canada treated the U.S. with 'fairness and respect.' The Gordie Howe Bridge was funded entirely by Canada at a cost of approximately $4.7 billion and is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan.