Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism after reportedly offering to unfreeze billions of dollars in federal funding for a crucial New York–New Jersey rail tunnel project, on the condition that two of the country’s most prominent transportation hubs be renamed in his honor. The proposal, disclosed by sources familiar with the discussions, has intensified political tensions and raised fresh questions about the use of federal infrastructure funds as leverage.
According to the report, Trump suggested that stalled federal support for the Gateway Hudson River tunnel project could be restored if Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station were renamed after him. The offer was reportedly made during conversations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer rejected the proposal, stating that he neither had the authority to rename the facilities nor would support such a move.
The Gateway project is one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the United States. It involves building a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitating an existing century-old tunnel that carries Amtrak and commuter trains between New Jersey and Manhattan. The tunnel is considered vital for maintaining rail connectivity in the Northeast Corridor, one of the busiest rail routes in the country.
Federal funding for the project, estimated at more than $16 billion, has been frozen since late 2025 amid broader budget disputes and a government shutdown. The halt has threatened construction timelines, placed thousands of jobs at risk, and raised concerns among state officials about long-term disruptions to regional transportation and commerce.
News of the alleged renaming condition triggered a swift backlash from Democratic leaders and infrastructure advocates. Critics accused the president of politicizing essential public works and prioritizing personal legacy over national interest. Several lawmakers described the proposal as unprecedented, arguing that infrastructure funding should be guided by public need rather than political or personal considerations.
In response to the funding freeze, authorities from New York and New Jersey have initiated legal action against the federal government, seeking to compel the administration to release the money already approved for the Gateway project. They argue that withholding funds jeopardizes a project deemed critical for national transportation security and economic stability.
The episode also fits into a broader pattern of efforts by Trump and his allies to associate his name with major public institutions and projects. While supporters view such moves as recognition of presidential leadership, opponents warn that they erode established norms and risk turning public infrastructure into tools of political branding.
As the standoff continues, the future of the Hudson River tunnel remains uncertain. With construction timelines under pressure and legal battles unfolding, the dispute has become a flashpoint in the wider debate over governance, federal spending, and the boundaries between public service and personal legacy in American politics.