Trump Sought Naming Rights for Dulles, Penn Station for Federal Funds Release
Recently, reports have emerged indicating that the Trump administration proposed naming Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station after former President Donald Trump. This suggestion was allegedly made to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as a condition for releasing federal funding for the Gateway Project.
Background on the Gateway Project
The Gateway Project aims to construct a new railway tunnel under the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey and New York. This $16.1 billion initiative has faced numerous delays, compounded by the recent federal government shutdown that initiated in late 2023.
Funding Issues and Legal Actions
- The Trump administration initially froze funding for the Gateway Project during the shutdown.
- Despite the end of the shutdown in November and the passage of appropriations, funding remains unreleased.
- New York and New Jersey have filed lawsuits to compel the administration to allocate previously approved funds.
White House budget director Russell Vought cited concerns over using infrastructure funds for non-compliant projects as a reason for halting spending on various initiatives.
Concerns from Lawmakers
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., criticized the Trump’s administration’s approach, asserting that naming rights should not be part of negotiations concerning critical infrastructure funding. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing jobs and economic impact over personal interests.
Trump’s Naming Rights Initiative
Trump has a history of seeking to attach his name to public projects. This includes efforts made to rename various landmarks, such as Dulles International Airport and other significant sites.
- In December, Trump proposed renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center.
- A Florida lawmaker also suggested renaming Palm Beach International Airport to reflect Trump’s influence.
- In recent initiatives, Trump launched a website, TrumpRX, focusing on lowering prescription drug costs.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear if the naming rights proposal will impact the funding release for the Gateway Project, or if other projects will face similar challenges under the Trump administration’s priorities.
Impact on Construction Workers
The continued delay in funding puts thousands of construction jobs at risk. The Gateway Project warned of imminent halts in construction if funds are not disbursed soon. With money expected to run out imminently, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the administration’s next move.
In summary, the call for naming Dulles and Penn Station after Donald Trump is intertwined with critical infrastructure funding discussions that affect thousands of workers and the economic landscape of the region.
