Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly offered to release frozen federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway Hudson River tunnel project in exchange for Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s support for renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and New York Penn Station after Trump, according to a source cited by Reuters. The proposal, first reported by Punchbowl News and attributed to four sources, was quickly rejected.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Schumer informed the White House he had no authority to rename either landmark. The White House did not respond to requests for comment, while Schumer’s office declined to comment publicly.

The reported offer comes as New York and New Jersey seek urgent judicial intervention to restore funding for the critical Hudson River tunnel project. On Friday, a U.S. judge is set to hear an emergency request from the two states to reinstate the federal funds, which were frozen by Trump in October. Without restoration, construction could halt immediately, potentially putting around 1,000 construction workers out of a job and jeopardizing a major infrastructure upgrade.

The Gateway Program, which previously secured roughly $15 billion in federal support under then-President Joe Biden, includes repairs to the existing Hudson River rail tunnel and construction of a new tunnel. The project is considered essential for Amtrak and regional commuter rail service between New Jersey and Manhattan and is a vital artery for rail travel in the Northeast.

Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Trump’s reported proposal as “ridiculous,” arguing that naming rights are not negotiable and accusing the former president of prioritizing personal recognition over union jobs and economic benefits. New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded on social media with a tongue-in-cheek counteroffer suggesting Trump Tower be renamed “Hochul Tower.”

Since returning to office in January, Trump has repeatedly sought to attach his name to public assets and programs, including Washington buildings, a planned class of Navy warships, a visa program for wealthy foreigners, and a federal prescription drug website. Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after Trump, replacing its current namesake, former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles.