Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Over Ownership Dispute

Owner of Ambassador Bridge reportedly met with U.S. Commerce Secretary hours before Trump's social media post

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Canada, claiming the U.S. should own at least half of the bridge and share in its revenues. This comes after the owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge reportedly met with the U.S. Commerce Secretary just hours before Trump's social media post.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a major infrastructure project that will provide an important trade link between the U.S. and Canada. Trump's threat to block the bridge's opening raises concerns about potential trade disputes and tensions between the two countries.

The details

According to reports, Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Monday. Later that day, President Trump posted on Truth Social, threatening to block the Gordie Howe bridge until the U.S. is "fully compensated" and demanding that Canada "treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve." Trump criticized Canada's policies on alcoholic products and dairy tariffs, and claimed the bridge was being built without U.S. content.

  • On Monday, Matthew Moroun met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
  • Later on Monday, President Trump posted his threat to block the Gordie Howe bridge on Truth Social.

The players

Matthew Moroun

The owner of the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit to Ontario.

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce who met with Moroun hours before Trump's social media post.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Mark Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister who spoke with Trump and explained that Canada paid for the bridge and the U.S. already has an ownership stake.

Gordie Howe International Bridge

A major infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Canada, jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“Canada paid for the bridge and that the U.S. already has an ownership stake.”

— Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister (CBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This dispute over the Gordie Howe International Bridge highlights the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, and raises concerns about the potential impact on critical infrastructure projects and economic cooperation between the two countries.