President Donald Trump said Thursday that the federal government will not cover cost overruns for the long-delayed Gateway Tunnel rail infrastructure project, rejecting pressure from regional leaders seeking additional funding.
Trump made clear that taxpayers will not be on the hook for expenses beyond existing federal commitments, emphasizing that states and local authorities must manage future budget shortfalls related to the initiative. The Gateway project, which aims to expand rail capacity between New Jersey and New York, has faced years of delays and rising construction costs.
In the same statement, Trump dismissed rumors that he wants to rename Pennsylvania Station in New York City after himself, calling the idea inaccurate and saying he never proposed such a change. The denial came in response to social media posts and speculation circulating online.
The president’s comments come amid ongoing discussions over infrastructure priorities and funding responsibilities among federal, state and local leaders. Trump reiterated his position that federal investment should be tied to performance and accountability, and that local stakeholders must assume greater financial responsibility when projects exceed original projections.
The Gateway Tunnel remains one of the most high-profile transportation efforts in the Northeast, and the question of how to address cost escalations continues to be a source of contention among policymakers. Trump’s remarks underscore the administration’s stance on limiting federal exposure to major overruns without clear agreements on cost-sharing.