Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Feb 6: The Trump administration allegedly proposed renaming Washington’s Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station after President Donald Trump in exchange for releasing federal funds for the long-delayed Gateway rail tunnel project between New York and New Jersey, according to multiple sources cited by NBC News.
The administration had halted funding for the $16.1 billion Gateway project at the onset of the federal government shutdown last fall. Despite the shutdown ending in November and Congress passing full appropriations packages this week, the funds have still not been released.
The Gateway project includes a new railway tunnel beneath the Hudson River, a critical infrastructure link between New Jersey and New York. After facing years of delays, the project received renewed momentum in 2024 when former President Joe Biden’s administration approved an additional $6.9 billion in funding.
However, White House Budget Director Russell Vought later said funding for infrastructure projects was being paused to ensure it was not used for what he described as “unconstitutional DEI principles.”
New York and New Jersey have since moved court, filing a lawsuit to compel the administration to release the already appropriated funds. Project officials warned that construction may be forced to halt if funding does not resume immediately, which could result in thousands of construction workers losing their jobs. Officials said the project’s funds are expected to run out by Friday.
The White House declined to comment on the report, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office did not issue a response. A source close to Schumer dismissed the proposal outright, saying there was “nothing to trade.”
“The president stopped the funding, and he can restart the funding with a snap of his fingers,” the source said.
Reacting sharply, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York called the reported proposal “ridiculous.” “Naming rights are not negotiable, nor is the dignity of New Yorkers,” she said, accusing the president of prioritising personal branding over public welfare and employment.
Gillibrand demanded that the administration immediately unfreeze the Gateway project, stressing its importance in creating good-paying union jobs and delivering significant economic benefits to the region.
Trump has previously sought to associate his name with several public initiatives and landmarks. Earlier this week, he launched TrumpRX, a platform aimed at offering lower-cost prescription drugs. He has also proposed a $5 million pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, branded as Trump Gold Cards.
In December, Trump added his name to the US Institute of Peace after the agency was dismantled by his administration. During the same month, a Trump-appointed board voted to add his name to the Kennedy Center, triggering strong backlash, lawsuits and the cancellation of several high-profile performances.
A Republican lawmaker has already introduced a bill to rename Dulles International Airport after Trump, though the proposal has remained stalled in a House subcommittee since early last year. Separately, a Florida state legislator has proposed renaming Palm Beach International Airport to include Trump’s name.