Trump denies proposing Penn Station name change over funding dispute: 'Just more fake news'
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump pushed back on reports stating that he sought to rename New York City’s Penn Station as “TRUMP STATION” in exchange for releasing federal funds for a major infrastructure project.
The denial followed a report that linked the proposed name change to stalled funding for the Gateway tunnel project between New York and New Jersey.
Trump addressed the claims in a post on Truth Social, shared on Monday, February 16, calling the allegations “fake news.” The issue comes as billions in federal funds for the tunnel project remain on hold.
Trump calls Gateway project 'future boondoggle' and warns of overruns
In his post, Trump described the Gateway project as a “future boondoggle,” arguing that it would cost “many BILLIONS OF DOLLARS more than projected or anticipated.”
He compared it to California’s high-speed rail project, referring to Governor Gavin Newsom and calling the rail effort a “Railroad to nowhere” that was “many times over budget, with no end in sight.”
“It is a disaster!” Trump wrote, adding that Gateway would be “financially catastrophic for the region” unless immediate planning prevented “insurmountable future cost overruns.”
He stated that “under no circumstances, will the Federal Government be responsible for ANY COST OVERRUNS - NOT ONE DOLLAR!” while adding that the federal government was willing to meet with stakeholders “to make sure that this does not happen.”
The Gateway Program is a long-delayed infrastructure initiative that includes constructing a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River to improve connections between New York and New Jersey.
The project received significant federal commitments under former President Joe Biden, but the Trump administration has paused the release of certain funds.
Trump denies proposing Penn Station rename
Trump also rejected reports that he proposed renaming Penn Station “TRUMP STATION” in exchange for releasing federal funds.
“Also, the naming of PENN Station (I LOVE Pennsylvania, but it is a direct competitor to New York, and ‘eating New York’s lunch!’) to TRUMP STATION, was brought up by certain politicians and construction union heads, not me - IT IS JUST MORE FAKE NEWS! NO COST OVERRUNS!!!” he wrote.
It was previously reported by NBC News that Trump discussed the naming idea in a conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, citing sources familiar with the matter.
A source close to Schumer told the outlet that “there is nothing to trade,” noting that the administration has the authority to release the funding.
New York and New Jersey have filed suit seeking to compel the release of appropriated funds, warning that delays could halt construction and affect thousands of workers. The White House has not provided additional comment beyond Trump’s public statement.
