The Trump Administration has taken sole ownership of the massive rebuild of New York City’s Penn Station, stripping the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of its involvement in the project. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that Amtrak will lead the reconstruction effort, citing the MTA’s history of inefficiency and mismanagement.
However, critics argue that this decision ignores crucial context and news about the future of Penn Station. The proposed reconstruction was substantially smaller than an original $16.7 billion plan for a southern annex, which is now in jeopardy due to fiscal constraints. It remains unclear how Duffy plans to finance the project, with funding sources previously identified by New York.
Gov. Hochul expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that she had requested federal funding for the overhaul, but it was not forthcoming. Assembly Member Tony Simone and Council Member Erik Bottcher have also voiced their skepticism about the Trump Administration’s ability to manage a project of this size while simultaneously slashing funding.
This decision comes amidst an escalating series of efforts by Duffy and the Trump Administration to target New York City’s subway system, which carries more people daily than every airline in America. The administration has repeatedly criticized the MTA’s trains as “crime-ridden” and attempted to revoke federal approvals for congestion pricing, claiming it discriminates against low-income New Yorkers.
The decision marks a significant shift in the Trump Administration’s approach to infrastructure planning, with Duffy citing a desire for a “beautiful new station that reflects America’s greatness.” However, critics argue that this move is a power grab, and the administration’s actions are more focused on hurting New York City than helping it.
Source: https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/04/18/friday-headlines-trumps-revenge-tour-now-includes-a-stop-at-penn-station