Democratic representatives from Michigan, Mississippi, and California held a press conference along the Detroit River on July 7, urging President Donald Trump to open the Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan. The bridge was scheduled to open in June but was blocked by Trump in February via a social media post.
Lawmakers Demand Immediate Opening
Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Mississippi), and Lou Correa (D-California) called for the bridge's opening, citing its critical importance to the regional economy. Thompson, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said, "Shame on Donald Trump. Shame on anybody else who wants to deny the citizens of this area an opportunity to have a publicly owned bridge."
The press conference came amid allegations that Trump's delay was influenced by a US$1 million campaign contribution from the Moroun family, which owns the competing Ambassador Bridge. The Moroun family's ties to the Trump administration have been widely reported.
Economic and Political Stakes
Thanedar emphasized the bridge's role in commerce and auto industry jobs: "The bridge is essential for commerce between the United States and Canada. The bridge would be instrumental for our auto industry, to retain and increase our auto jobs, and is essential for Michigan’s economy." He suggested legal challenges could overturn the delay, noting that courts had already ruled against other Trump administration policies.
Canada loaned the bridge authority $7 billion for construction, with repayment expected from tolls over 35 years. After that, Canada and Michigan will share revenue equally. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said Canada is merely the bank, but critics argue the delay harms both nations.
Political Maneuvering and Solutions
Correa proposed a compromise: "Let President Trump be in the first car that comes across that bridge. Let him cut the ribbon, let him come across, and all the taxpayers would benefit from that, and he can take credit for that as well as he should." Thanedar echoed Ronald Reagan's Cold War challenge, urging Trump to "open up the Gordie Howe Bridge" for Michigan's jobs and economy.
Democrats at state and federal levels have pushed for the bridge's opening, while critics highlight the Moroun family's influence. The delay has sparked bipartisan concern over its impact on trade and infrastructure.
