Democrats in Washington are broadening their investigation into the events surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent threat to obstruct the unveiling of the new Gordie Howe bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. California Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib reached out to Matthew Moroun on Wednesday, demanding that the owner of the neighboring Ambassador Bridge provide records of any interactions with the Trump administration.
Moroun, whose family has managed the Ambassador Bridge for numerous years, reportedly had a meeting with a member of Trump’s cabinet shortly before the president announced on social media that he would impede the opening of the new bridge until the U.S. obtained concessions from Canada, the sole funder of the over $6 billion project.
The Moroun family has consistently opposed the construction of the Gordie Howe bridge due to potential toll revenue losses. Matthew Moroun has been a significant Republican contributor in recent times, and the Ambassador Bridge company has invested heavily in a prominent lobbying firm in Washington with close connections to Trump’s inner circle.
In their recent correspondence, Garcia and Tlaib focused on Moroun’s political donations, seeking information on any financial transactions between him and the Trump campaign or the Republican party. The lawmakers accused Moroun of leveraging his influence as a Trump donor to jeopardize American trade in favor of his company’s financial interests.
Despite the Democrats’ efforts, without Republican backing, they lack the authority to compel Moroun to cooperate, given their minority position on the committee. Garcia publicized the committee’s inquiry and submitted a similar information request to the Trump administration last Friday. Michigan’s congressional delegation also appealed to the president on the same day, urging him to permit the Gordie Howe bridge’s scheduled opening this year, emphasizing the anticipated economic advantages.
Moroun has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments.
