Gordie Howe Bridge: Democrats open inquiry into Trump's threat to block opening

House Democrats say they have opened an investigation after President Trump posted he would withhold permission for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open unless the United States was compensated; Rep. Robert Garcia has requested communications related to meetings between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Moroun family.

The House oversight committee's top Democrat announced a formal inquiry after President Trump posted that he would withhold permission for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open unless the United States was compensated. Democrats say the post followed a reported meeting between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Matthew Moroun, whose family owns the competing Ambassador Bridge. The post included a claim about low U.S. content in the bridge, which has been reported as false. The bridge, paid for by the Canadian government, is expected to open this winter. What we know: - House Democrats launched an investigation and requested communications from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about meetings and contacts with the Moroun family. - President Trump posted that he would require compensation before allowing the bridge to open and asserted the bridge had little U.S. content; that claim has been reported as false. - Canadian officials said Canada paid to construct the bridge, ownership is shared with Michigan, Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with the president and said he expects the matter to be resolved; the bridge is slated to open this winter. Summary: Democrats have opened a formal inquiry focused on the president's statement and recent contacts between a cabinet official and the Moroun family, and they have requested related communications. Canadian officials have communicated with the White House and signalled they expect the issue to be resolved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains scheduled to open this winter.