A significant donation from the owner of the Ambassador Bridge to a political action committee (PAC) aligned with former U.S. President Trump occurred less than a month before Trump publicly criticized a competing bridge project, according to records.
Donation and Presidential Response
Matthew Moroun, whose family has owned the Ambassador Bridge for decades, contributed $1 million US to MAGA Inc. On January 16. This donation was reported by the New York Times and documented in a campaign finance disclosure filed Friday evening. On February 9, the president threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada offered concessions, a threat delivered via social media.
The timing of the donation and the subsequent threat regarding the Gordie Howe bridge have drawn scrutiny, particularly given the Moroun family’s longstanding opposition to the new span. The Gordie Howe bridge, once operational, is expected to reduce traffic – and toll revenue – at the Ambassador Bridge.
Previous Support and Lobbying Efforts
The Trump administration had previously appeared supportive of the Gordie Howe bridge, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designating it as a port of entry on January 30. However, the president’s recent threat came hours after Moroun met with a member of Trump’s cabinet, who then relayed the conversation to the president.
The company operating the Ambassador Bridge has spent millions on a lobbying firm with ties to Trump, including $250,000 US since August. Moroun has also been a consistent donor to Trump and the Republican Party, giving $600,000 to a PAC known as Trump Victory during the 2020 election cycle and more than $1.2 million to the Republican National Committee since Trump’s first term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between the Ambassador Bridge and the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, opposes the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, as We see expected to reduce traffic and toll revenue at the Ambassador Bridge.
When did Matthew Moroun make the donation to MAGA Inc.?
Matthew Moroun made the $1 million US donation to MAGA Inc. On January 16, according to a campaign finance disclosure.
What action did the U.S. President take regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
On February 9, the president threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada offers concessions.
As tensions between the U.S. And Canada continue, will the threat to delay the Gordie Howe bridge opening lead to further negotiations or escalate the trade dispute?
