The Trump administration has stirred controversy recently by proposing that Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station be named after Donald Trump. This came up during negotiations over federal funds needed for a long-awaited tunnel project between New York and New Jersey.
Initially, the substantial $16.1 billion Gateway project, which includes a new train tunnel under the Hudson River, came to a halt when the administration froze its funding. Although the shutdown ended last November, the funds have not been released.
Budget Director Russell Vought cited concerns over funding being misused for “unconstitutional DEI principles” as the reason for the freeze. Meanwhile, New York and New Jersey have launched a lawsuit, pushing for the release of these funds that were already allocated.
The urgency is high: without the funds, construction may stop, risking thousands of jobs. The Gateway’s potential impact is significant—not only for connectivity but also for jobs and economic growth. In fact, a recent report from the American Society of Civil Engineers highlighted that infrastructure projects like this can generate billions in economic benefits within a few years.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed her disbelief, arguing that naming rights should not be used as a bargaining chip. She emphasizes that people and jobs should come before personal interests, especially given the high costs many New Yorkers face right now.
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt to attach his name to public works. He’s previously named locations and initiatives after himself, including a recent push for lower-cost prescription drugs through a website called TrumpRX.
Looking back, this isn’t a new tactic in U.S. politics. Many leaders have pursued naming rights for various projects, often drawing mixed reactions from the public. Social media platforms buzz with opinions on this recent proposal, revealing a divide in public sentiment about the practice.
In addition, a Florida lawmaker has proposed to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Trump, following his naming efforts elsewhere.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Gateway funding situation and the proposed naming could reshape not only infrastructure in the Northeast but also how public projects are leveraged for political gain.
For more on infrastructure funding and its implications, check out the American Society of Civil Engineers’ latest report.
