House Oversight Committee Launches Probe Into Lutnick's Meeting With Ambassador Bridge Owner

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia demands documents on Commerce Secretary's conversation with Matthew Moroun

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, has launched an investigation into a reported meeting between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun. This comes just hours before President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit to Canada. Garcia is seeking documents on Lutnick's meeting with Moroun, as well as communications regarding the two bridges and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Why it matters

The probe highlights growing concerns over the influence of politically connected billionaire families like the Morouns, who have long wielded power over the Detroit-Canada border crossings. The investigation could shed light on potential conflicts of interest and attempts to derail the construction of the new Gordie Howe bridge, which is seen as a more modern and efficient alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge.

The details

In a letter to Lutnick, Garcia accused the Commerce Secretary of "protecting a politically connected billionaire donor family at the expense of promoting American commerce." Garcia is seeking documents on Lutnick's meeting with Moroun, as well as communications between the Commerce Department, the Moroun family, the Canadian government, and the White House regarding the two bridges. The Congressman claims Moroun is attempting to undermine the Gordie Howe bridge project, which could "increase traffic congestion, reduce economic opportunity, and damage trade between the United States and Canada."

  • On February 9, 2026, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reportedly met with Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun.
  • On February 10, 2026, President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
  • On February 11, 2026, Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia sent a letter to Lutnick demanding documents related to the meeting and communications about the bridges.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary who reportedly met with the owner of the Ambassador Bridge.

Matthew Moroun

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

Robert Garcia

The Democratic Congressman from California who is the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and has launched an investigation into Lutnick's meeting with Moroun.

Mark Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister, who President Trump accused of trying to make a deal with China.

Rashida Tlaib

The Democratic Congresswoman from Michigan who is on the House Oversight Committee and has criticized the Moroun family's influence.

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What they’re saying

“It appears that you have chosen to protect a politically connected billionaire donor family at the expense of promoting American commerce.”

— Robert Garcia, Democratic Congressman (Letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick)

“Your interference could increase traffic congestion, reduce economic opportunity, and damage trade between the United States and Canada.”

— Robert Garcia, Democratic Congressman (Letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick)

“It's no surprise that Matthew Moroun, Trump's billionaire donor and owner of the dangerously obsolete Ambassador Bridge, met with the Trump Administration mere hours before President Trump absurdly threatened to block the safer, more efficient Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening.”

— Rashida Tlaib, Democratic Congresswoman (Statement to CBS News Detroit)

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee will review the documents requested from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to determine if there was any improper influence or interference regarding the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing power struggle over the critical Detroit-Canada border crossings, with politically connected billionaire families like the Morouns wielding significant influence. The probe could shed light on potential conflicts of interest and efforts to undermine infrastructure projects that are seen as more beneficial to American commerce and trade.