Trump proposes to restore Hudson River tunnel funding in exchange for naming Penn Station after him.
In a surprising turn of events, sources have revealed that President Trump discussed the possibility of reinstating funding for the long-debated Hudson River Tunnel project during a recent conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. According to multiple reliable sources, the President indicated he would consider moving forward with the project on the condition that Schumer supports the renaming of at least two major transit hubs—Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station—after him.
The negotiations surrounding the Hudson River Tunnel project, a critical infrastructure initiative intended to facilitate rail travel between New York and New Jersey, have been contentious. Sources noted that Trump’s proposition included a cessation of his previous interference with the funding approved by Congress, contingent upon Schumer’s backing of the proposed name changes for the transit hubs. The discussion highlights Trump’s ongoing interest in shaping his legacy through high-profile naming opportunities, a practice he has pursued in various contexts during his tenure.
The urgency of the situation has been amplified by the looming deadline for construction workers involved in the tunnel project, with approximately 1,000 workers facing imminent job losses as construction activities are set to wind down this weekend due to the funding impasse. The Trump administration first announced its decision to halt the distribution of billions in congressionally approved funds to the Gateway Development Corporation last October amidst a federal government shutdown, citing concerns over the project’s compliance with recently altered federal contracting rules.
In the weeks following the initial funding freeze, the Trump administration’s rationale shifted. White House spokesperson Kush Desai suggested that the funding delay stemmed from a lack of prioritization by Democratic lawmakers regarding the interests of American citizens compared to those of immigrants. However, Gateway officials later presented evidence of their compliance, raising questions about the administration’s motives for the funding stall.
This is not the first instance in which the naming of Penn Station after Trump has been proposed. Last year, as part of a significant redesign effort taken over by the federal government, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy hinted at the possibility. Trump’s ongoing initiatives to have his name associated with various national landmarks include recent naming efforts related to the Kennedy Center and the Institute for Peace.
Sources close to Schumer reported that he deemed the President’s proposal regarding the name changes a non-starter, reflecting the high stakes and political complexities associated with the Hudson River Tunnel project and its funding. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain concerned about the future of vital infrastructure and the implications for thousands of workers reliant on the project.
