Ambassador Bridge Owner Donated $1 Million to Trump-Aligned PAC Before Bridge Threat
Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., a political action committee (PAC) supporting former President Donald Trump, in January 2026. This donation occurred less than a month before Trump publicly threatened to block the opening of the competing Gordie Howe International Bridge, raising questions about potential political influence.
Donation Timeline and Trump’s Response
According to campaign finance disclosures, Moroun’s $1 million contribution to MAGA Inc. Was made on January 16, 2026 as first reported by the Novel York Times. Shortly after, on February 10, 2026, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating he would halt the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge until the United States received “full compensation” from Canada and was treated with “Fairness and Respect.”
Political Scrutiny and Investigation
The timing of the donation and Trump’s subsequent comments have drawn scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers. Representatives Robert Garcia and Rashida Tlaib have requested documentation regarding a meeting between Moroun and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that took place shortly before Trump’s post . They accuse Moroun of attempting to “derail” the Gordie Howe Bridge project to protect the toll revenue of the Ambassador Bridge .
The Gordie Howe and Ambassador Bridges
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which has been under construction since 2018, is designed to ease congestion at the busy Detroit-Windsor border crossing, particularly for commercial traffic. The bridge is jointly owned by Michigan and Canada, with Canada funding the construction and planning to recoup costs through toll revenue . The Ambassador Bridge, owned by the Moroun family since 1979, opened in 1929 and currently handles a significant portion of border traffic.
Moroun Family History with the Ambassador Bridge
The Moroun family has owned and operated the Ambassador Bridge for decades. Manuel J. “Matty” Moroun acquired the bridge in 1979 through his company, Central Cartage Company . The family has consistently opposed the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is expected to open this year.
Lack of Comment
Neither Matthew Moroun nor MAGA Inc. Have responded to requests for comment. The White House and Secretary Lutnick’s office also have not provided statements regarding the matter .