Trump Demands Naming Rights for Gateway Tunnel Project

President threatens to withhold federal funding unless his name is added to infrastructure project

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Trump administration has suspended federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel project between New York and New Jersey, citing concerns over diversity and inclusion policies. However, reports indicate that President Trump is actually demanding that his name be added to landmarks like New York's Pennsylvania Station and Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C. in exchange for releasing the funds.

Why it matters

The Gateway tunnel is a critical infrastructure project that would replace a deteriorating 100-year-old rail line, improving transit and commerce along the busy Northeast Corridor. The president's apparent attempt to extort personal branding in exchange for federal support raises concerns about abuse of power and the politicization of important public works.

The details

Four months ago, the Trump administration suspended the federal government's three-quarters share of funding for the Gateway project, citing concerns over the use of race or gender as factors in awarding contracts. However, reports now indicate that President Trump is demanding that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer push to have Trump's name added to landmarks like New York's Pennsylvania Station and Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C. in exchange for the release of the federal funds.

  • The federal government suspended its share of Gateway tunnel funding four months ago, in October 2025.
  • A judge has ordered the federal government to release the funding, but that order has been put on hold pending an appeal.

The players

Donald J. Trump

The former president of the United States who is now allegedly demanding that his name be added to major landmarks in exchange for releasing federal funding for the Gateway tunnel project.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who Trump has reportedly asked to push for adding Trump's name to landmarks like Pennsylvania Station and Dulles International Airport.

Gateway tunnel project

A $16 billion infrastructure project to create new rail lines between New York and New Jersey along the Northeast Corridor, replacing a deteriorating 100-year-old tunnel.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A judge has ordered the federal government to release the funding for the Gateway tunnel project, but that order has been put on hold pending an appeal.

The takeaway

President Trump's apparent attempt to extort personal branding in exchange for critical infrastructure funding raises serious concerns about the abuse of power and the politicization of important public works projects. This case highlights the need for greater accountability and checks on the president's authority, to ensure that decisions are made in the public interest rather than for personal gain.