Federal Judge Blocks Gateway Funding Freeze

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A Manhattan federal judge granted an emergency request from New York and New Jersey to force the Trump administration to temporarily continue funding the $16 billion Gateway tunnel project, which links the Garden State with Midtown Manhattan. The administration had moved to freeze funding over the project's contracting requirements based on race or sex, but Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled in favor of the states as their lawsuit against the Department of Transportation continues.

Why it matters

The Gateway project is a critical infrastructure initiative to improve rail connections between New York and New Jersey, but has faced political headwinds from the Trump administration. This court ruling represents a temporary victory for the states in their efforts to keep the project moving forward despite the federal government's attempts to halt funding.

The details

Judge Vargas granted the states' request for a temporary restraining order, blocking the Trump administration from freezing Gateway funding as the broader lawsuit proceeds. The administration had cited issues with the project's contracting requirements related to race and sex as the reason for the proposed funding freeze.

• The funding freeze was set to take effect on Friday, February 7, 2026.
• Judge Vargas issued the temporary restraining order on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The states' lawsuit against the Department of Transportation over the Gateway tunnel funding freeze will continue, with the temporary restraining order in place until the court can make a final ruling on the matter.