Lawmakers Escalate Probe Into Trump Donor's Lobbying to Block New U.S.-Canada Bridge

Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Rep. Rashida Tlaib demand answers from billionaire Matthew Moroun and Commerce Secretary Lutnick

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The House Oversight Committee has escalated its investigation into billionaire Trump donor Matthew Moroun's efforts to lobby the Trump Administration into shutting down the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a direct competitor to the Moroun family-owned Ambassador Bridge. Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Rep. Rashida Tlaib are demanding details on a meeting between Moroun and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick just before President Trump threatened to block the new bridge.

Why it matters

The investigation raises concerns about wealthy donors using their influence to shape economic and foreign policies that impact the public. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is seen as a safer and more efficient alternative to the aging Ambassador Bridge, which is owned by the Moroun family.

The details

Ranking Member Garcia and Rep. Tlaib are demanding that billionaire Trump donor Matthew Moroun provide details on his meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, which occurred just hours before President Trump threatened to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. The lawmakers say it is unacceptable for a wealthy donor to dictate policy in order to protect their own business interests.

  • On February 18, 2026, Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Rep. Rashida Tlaib escalated the House Oversight Committee's investigation.
  • Moroun met with Commerce Secretary Lutnick just hours before President Trump threatened to block the new bridge.

The players

Rep. Robert Garcia

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib

Member of the House Oversight Committee.

Matthew Moroun

Billionaire Trump donor and owner of the Ambassador Bridge, which is in direct competition with the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Howard Lutnick

U.S. Commerce Secretary.

President Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who threatened to block the opening of the new U.S.-Canada bridge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“President Trump's wealthy donors should not be holding secret meetings with Administration officials to influence economic and foreign policies that have real impacts on the American people. Mr. Moroun and Secretary Lutnick must answer the Committee's questions about what was said and promised during their secret gathering.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (house.gov)

“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. For decades, the Moroun family have used their money and influence to enrich themselves at the expense of our working class communities in Detroit.”

— Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Member, House Oversight Committee (house.gov)

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee will demand that Matthew Moroun and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick provide details on their meeting and what was discussed regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights concerns about the influence of wealthy political donors on government policy decisions, particularly when those decisions impact the public interest. The probe will examine whether the Trump Administration improperly interfered in the construction of critical infrastructure to benefit a major donor.