Donald Trump's sudden opposition to a new publicly owned bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, has come under scrutiny after reports that his commerce secretary met with a Republican donor who owns a rival private bridge. The New York Times reported that the meeting preceded Trump's change in position on the project, which is already under construction.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have attempted to explain to Trump that his stated reasons for threatening to block the bridge are factually incorrect. The bridge is intended to ease trade between the US and Canada, but Trump has voiced opposition without providing evidence for his claims.
Separately, federal prosecutors in Washington DC, led by former Fox News commentator Jeanine Pirro, reportedly failed to secure indictments against six Democratic lawmakers over a social media video. The video reminded service members that they are not required to follow illegal orders. Two of the lawmakers, Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, called the attempt an abuse of power by Trump.
The developments come amid ongoing controversies over Trump's tariff policies, which he has admitted are based partly on his feelings about foreign leaders, and his evolving statements about his knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. A 2006 phone call to a Palm Beach police chief contradicts Trump's later claims of ignorance.
