Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, has accused former President Donald Trump of deliberately keeping the Canada-US bridge closed to help a political donor. The accusation, made during a campaign event, has ignited a political firestorm in the battleground state.
Accusation Details
McMorrow claimed that Trump ordered the extended closure of the Ambassador Bridge, a critical trade link between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, to benefit a donor with financial interests in alternative transportation routes. According to McMorrow, the closure cost the regional economy millions of dollars daily in lost trade and disrupted supply chains for automakers and other industries.
“Trump kept that bridge closed to line the pockets of his donors, while Michigan workers and families paid the price,” McMorrow said at a press conference in Detroit. She did not name the specific donor but promised to release evidence if elected.
Background on Bridge Closures
The Ambassador Bridge was closed for several days in early 2022 during the Freedom Convoy protests, which blocked traffic in solidarity with Canadian truckers opposing vaccine mandates. Trump publicly supported the protests, calling them a “fight for freedom.” However, McMorrow alleges that the closure was prolonged beyond necessity due to Trump’s influence.
“The bridge was a bargaining chip for Trump to reward his allies,” McMorrow added. “It’s time for accountability.”
Political Context
McMorrow is one of several Democrats vying for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with control of the Senate at stake. Trump remains a polarizing figure in Michigan, which he won in 2016 but lost in 2020.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson dismissed McMorrow’s claims as “baseless and desperate,” accusing her of trying to distract from her own record. “President Trump always puts America first, not his donors,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Economic Impact
The Ambassador Bridge handles about 25% of all trade between the U.S. and Canada, with an estimated $323 million in goods crossing daily. During the 2022 closure, automakers like Ford and General Motors faced production slowdowns due to parts shortages, costing the industry billions.
Economists note that even a single day of closure can have ripple effects. “The bridge is a lifeline for the integrated North American auto industry,” said Dr. Lisa Thompson, a trade economist at the University of Michigan. “Any prolonged disruption is catastrophic.”
Next Steps
McMorrow has called for a congressional investigation into the closure, urging the Department of Homeland Security to release internal communications. The controversy is likely to feature prominently in the Senate primary, which is scheduled for August 2026.
