Canada Says Trump-Linked Lobbyists Tried to Block Key Bridge Deal
Canada’s ambassador to the United States says lobbyists connected to former U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to derail a major cross-border infrastructure agreement on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
According to the diplomat, those lobbyists pushed U.S. officials to reject funding for the project in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election.
Bridge Project Faced Political Pressure in Washington
The Gordie Howe International Bridge — a major crossing connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan — has long been a symbol of Canadian-U.S. cooperation and economic integration. The new allegation suggests that political forces tried to influence U.S. funding decisions at a critical moment.
Canada’s ambassador says representatives with ties to Trump communicated regularly with senior Trump allies and pressured them to oppose the funding arrangement.
Diplomat Details Influence Efforts
In testimony to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Canada’s ambassador to Washington described how the lobbyists pushed hard against the bridge agreement. He said the messages were repeated frequently in meetings and written communications targeting Republican officials.
The ambassador told lawmakers that, even though the bridge had strong bilateral support, certain political networks wanted the U.S. to pull back because of larger election-year strategy.
U.S. Funding Was Ultimately Approved
Despite the pressure campaign, U.S. lawmakers approved funding for the bridge project. Construction has continued, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains on track to strengthen trade and travel between Canada and the United States.
Canada’s ambassador emphasized that the bridge’s approval shows how bipartisan support can overcome partisan efforts.
Trump Allies and the 2020 Election Context
The testimony came as part of broader scrutiny over the Trump administration’s actions around the 2020 election. Lawmakers asked the ambassador to explain how foreign government projects sometimes become entangled in domestic political maneuvering in the United States.
The diplomat said he believes the pressure campaign was tied to the broader political environment rather than concerns about the merits of the bridge itself.
Reaction From Canadian and U.S. Officials
Canadian trade and transport officials declined immediate comment, saying they would refrain from weighing in while the congressional committee’s hearings continue.
Some U.S. lawmakers described the ambassador’s remarks as eye-opening, saying they highlight how infrastructure policy can be targeted for political reasons.
Gordie Howe Bridge Seen as Economic Priority
Supporters of the Gordie Howe International Bridge say it will improve cross-border commerce, reduce congestion at other crossings and enhance security. Business groups on both sides of the border have long championed the project as vital to economic activity in the Great Lakes region.
As construction progresses, lawmakers and officials from both countries have stressed the long-term benefits that are expected to flow once the bridge opens.
Ongoing Oversight as Project Continues
The congressional committee’s hearings are expected to continue for weeks, with more testimony and documents likely to be released. Canada’s ambassador has indicated he will cooperate fully with all inquiries.
Observers say the episode illustrates how large infrastructure projects can become caught up in political dynamics far removed from their original purpose — in this case, boosting trade and transportation links between neighbouring countries.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
