Judge Orders Trump Administration to Resume Hudson River Tunnel Funding

Federal judge blocks attempt to withhold $16 billion in funding for major infrastructure project.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A federal judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to withhold $16 billion in funding for the Hudson River rail tunnel project. The judge ordered that the previously appropriated money be released, warning of potential public harm if the funding was not provided.

Why it matters

The Hudson River rail tunnel is a critical infrastructure project that would improve rail connectivity between New York and New Jersey. The Trump administration's efforts to withhold the funding had threatened to delay or derail the project, which could have significant economic and transportation impacts for the region.

The details

The judge's order came in response to a lawsuit filed by the states of New York and New Jersey, which argued that the Trump administration's decision to withhold the $16 billion in previously appropriated funds was unlawful. The judge agreed, stating that the administration did not have the authority to unilaterally block the funding that had already been approved by Congress.

  • The judge issued the temporary restraining order on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Trump Administration

The federal government under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, which had attempted to withhold funding for the Hudson River rail tunnel project.

New York and New Jersey

The states that filed the lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's attempt to block the tunnel funding.

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What they’re saying

“The judge's order is a victory for the region and a recognition that the Trump administration's actions were unlawful and threatened to cause significant public harm.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge's temporary restraining order will remain in effect until a full hearing on the matter can be held, at which point a more permanent decision will be made regarding the release of the $16 billion in funding.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political battles over major infrastructure projects and the importance of the judiciary in ensuring that the federal government follows the law and respects the will of Congress when it comes to appropriating funds for critical public works.