Trump Pushes to Rename Iconic NYC Train Station After Himself

The legacy-obsessed former president reportedly pitched the idea to billionaire Knicks owner James Dolan in a secret meeting.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cinematic painting of the grand, historic Penn Station building in New York City, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows across the facade. A solitary figure stands in the foreground, their face obscured, creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The former president's push to rename New York's iconic Penn Station exposes his ongoing obsession with personal legacy and branding.NYC Today

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing to have New York City's iconic Penn Station renamed after himself, according to a new report. Trump allegedly pitched the idea to billionaire New York Knicks owner James Dolan during a secret meeting, as part of the former president's ongoing efforts to attach his name to various landmarks and infrastructure projects.

Why it matters

Trump's push to rename Penn Station, the nation's busiest train station, is the latest example of the former president's constant drive to etch his name onto public spaces and facilities. This comes as Trump has already succeeded in getting his name added to various other high-profile locations, raising concerns about his apparent obsession with personal legacy and branding.

The details

According to the report, Trump met secretly with Dolan, who owns the Madison Square Garden arena above Penn Station. Trump is said to have pitched the idea of renaming the iconic transit hub 'Trump Station.' The former president took control of long-planned efforts to revamp Penn Station from the MTA last year, handing the project over to Amtrak and the Department of Transportation. One proposal under consideration involves moving Madison Square Garden to make way for a fountain, but that plan requires Dolan's approval, which he has previously denied.

  • In April 2026, Trump reportedly met with James Dolan in a secret meeting.
  • In October 2022, the Trump administration suspended $18 billion in funds for New York City infrastructure projects, including for Penn Station, though some of the money has since been released.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States, known for his constant efforts to attach his name to various landmarks and infrastructure projects.

James Dolan

The billionaire owner of the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden, which is located above Penn Station.

Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York, who has stated that renaming Penn Station after Trump would happen 'over my dead body.'

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What they’re saying

“It will over my dead body.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“While we don't comment on private meetings that may or may not have happened, President Trump undoubtedly supports a strong and revitalized Penn Station that can better serve New York and New Yorkers.”

— Davis Ingle, White House spokesman

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Trump's push to rename Penn Station after himself will gain any traction, as New York officials have already expressed strong opposition to the idea.

The takeaway

Trump's reported attempt to rename one of New York City's most iconic landmarks after himself is the latest example of the former president's apparent obsession with personal legacy and branding, raising concerns about his continued efforts to leave his mark on public spaces and infrastructure.