Trump Threatens to Block Canada Bridge Project After Private Meeting with Rival Bridge Owner

Social media erupts in outrage over suspicious timing of Trump's move to halt construction of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump threatened to block the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major U.S.-Canada crossing project, just hours after his Commerce Secretary met privately with the billionaire owner of a competing bridge, the Ambassador Bridge. Social media users, including journalists and political observers, quickly criticized the timing of Trump's move as an apparent attempt to benefit the private bridge owner at the expense of the publicly backed Gordie Howe project.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a critical infrastructure project that would provide an important new crossing between the U.S. and Canada, the two largest trading partners. Trump's threat to block the bridge construction raises concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power, as it appears to directly benefit a private bridge owner who met with the administration just prior to the announcement.

The details

According to a New York Times report, Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge came shortly after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met privately with Matthew Moroun, the billionaire owner of the privately owned Ambassador Bridge. The Moroun family has spent decades fighting the construction of the publicly backed Gordie Howe bridge, as it would compete with their bridge for toll revenue.

  • On February 10, 2026, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met privately with Matthew Moroun, the billionaire owner of the Ambassador Bridge.
  • Just hours after the Lutnick-Moroun meeting, President Trump threatened to block the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who threatened to block the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Commerce Secretary who met privately with the owner of the Ambassador Bridge just prior to Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe bridge project.

Matthew Moroun

The billionaire owner of the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which would compete with the publicly backed Gordie Howe International Bridge for toll revenue.

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What they’re saying

“Aaand there you go: Trump's sudden about-face on the most important Canada-US border crossing came after meeting with the billionaire family that owns the rival bridge. Nice scoop, confirming suspicions of everyone who has followed this file and is familiar with Trump.”

— Alex Panetta, Politico journalist (Bluesky)

“In any other administration, this would be a huge story. In this administration, it can barely get oxygen because it's buried under a daily torrent of destruction, criminality, and abuse of power.”

— Will Saletan, Writer at The Bulwark (Bluesky)

“The corruption is just right in the open and so blatant. And MAGA is just oblivious.”

— Duane Bratt, Political science professor at Mount Royal University (X)

What’s next

The administration's decision on whether to allow construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected in the coming weeks, as the public and media scrutinize the process for potential conflicts of interest.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about the Trump administration's ties to wealthy business interests and the potential for abuse of power and corruption. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in government decision-making, especially when it comes to major infrastructure projects that impact the public.