‘Tug of war’: Democrats push Trump to release New York City tunnel funds | Donald Trump News
Federal Government Releases $77 Million for New York-New Jersey Infrastructure
New York officials have confirmed the release of an additional $77 million in federal funding designated for new tunnels and bridges connecting New York to New Jersey. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions with President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the funding at a construction site while joined by union leaders, advocating for the release of remaining funds that were previously frozen during an extended government shutdown that began in October.
“It cannot continue like this,” Hochul, a Democrat, declared to the workers present. She emphasized the importance of job security for laborers involved in the project, which is crucial for regional transportation.
The Northeast Corridor project is a key aspect of the Gateway Program, an interstate initiative aimed at expanding and renovating aging infrastructure that connects major metropolitan areas in the two states. Although the federal government had committed billions to support the project, funding was suspended by the Trump administration on October 1—just one day into a historic government shutdown—leading to the freezing of $18 billion in previously approved allocations.
The suspension was widely viewed as a strategic move to pressure Democratic leaders into compliance concerning the shutdown. After the government reopened following 43 days, many funds, including those for the New York City tunnel project, remained on hold. Critics, including Representative Jerry Nadler of New York, characterized the freeze as political retribution.
In February, New York and New Jersey initiated legal action to compel the Trump administration to release the funds. After months of operating under constrained budgets, state attorneys general warned that construction could cease as soon as February 6 without federal support. A U.S. district judge subsequently mandated the release of more than $200 million to the states, citing potential irreparable harm to the Gateway project.
In recent days, the federal government released $30 million in addition to the newly announced $77 million. Despite these actions, officials maintained that the funds remain inadequate for the project’s needs.
Union leader Gary LaBarbera underscored the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the existing trans-Hudson tunnels are over a century old and have serious structural issues. He insisted that improving transportation safety should transcend political divisions.
“This should not be a political tug of war,” LaBarbera stated, advocating for a cooperative approach.
During her remarks, Governor Hochul appealed directly to President Trump, urging him to prioritize the project and allow construction to proceed.
However, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his opposition to the Gateway project, predicting excessive costs and potential financial repercussions for the region. He also dismissed reports suggesting conditions for unfreezing funds, labeling them as “fake news.”
Trump’s White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, appeared to confirm last week that discussions regarding conditions for funding had taken place.
In recent developments, the Trump Organization has filed trademark claims for any airports that bear the president’s name, with Florida legislators proposing the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport in his honor.
