Gateway Tunnel in Limbo as Trump Claims Termination

Gateway Tunnel in Limbo as Trump Claims Termination

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President Trump indicated that the Gateway Tunnel project, vital for connecting New York and New Jersey beneath the Hudson River, may be “terminated.” However, the actual status of the project, including whether it has been formally defunded, remains unclear. The Gateway Tunnel project had previously secured billions in federal funding last year, aimed at replacing outdated infrastructure.

During a Wednesday press conference, Trump claimed the project’s cancellation was a decision made by the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought. “Russell Vought is really terminating tremendous numbers of Democrat projects … I mean, the project in Manhattan, the project in New York. It’s billions and billions of dollars that [Sen. Chuck] Schumer has worked 20 years to get. It’s terminated. Tell him it’s terminated,” Trump stated.

The administration had recently frozen federal funding for both the Gateway Tunnel project and the Second Avenue Subway project, citing the need for further review, which is complicated by the ongoing government shutdown.

Lawmakers from New York and New Jersey swiftly countered Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the significance of the Gateway project for the economy and employment. Schumer labeled the efforts to cancel the project as “pure spite and stupidity,” arguing that it would negatively impact hundreds of thousands of commuters and the regional economy.

Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the potential cancellation, stating, “This is not sticking it to New York. This is the northeastern corridor. To make sure that our tunnels are safe… If this system of transportation collapses, the northeastern economy and the economy of the country collapse.”

In a joint statement, New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim expressed their determination to secure funding for the Gateway project, highlighting its bipartisan support and importance for the future of the region. Rep. Josh Gottheimer echoed similar sentiments, warning that Trump’s actions could severely impact jobs and economic competitiveness.

The fate of the Gateway Tunnel project remains uncertain, but the unified response from lawmakers suggests a strong commitment to advocating for this critical infrastructure initiative, underscoring its importance for regional connectivity and economic stability.

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