A Florida congressman is pushing legislation to rename Washington D.C.’s metro system the “Trump Train,” as part of ongoing efforts by GOP lawmakers to link former President Donald Trump’s name to various structures and infrastructures. Representative Greg Steube introduced the “Make Autorail Great Again Act” on May 29, which would halt all federal funding to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) until it agrees to the name change. He proposes that WMATA be renamed “Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access” (WMAGA) alongside the new name for the metro system.
Steube emphasized the importance of accountability due to WMATA’s historical receipt of billions in federal aid while facing operational challenges. He argues that this bill aims to inspire a cultural shift towards excellence and patriotism in public service.
The WMATA operates one of the busiest metro systems in the United States, serving 600,000 passengers daily across its 98 stations. Steube’s initiative is part of a broader trend among Republicans seeking to commemorate Trump through infrastructure renaming. Previous efforts have included renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and portions of highways in Texas and Arizona after Trump, though many of these proposals have stalled in legislative processes.
This ongoing movement reflects a significant political strategy among some GOP members to keep Trump’s name in the public eye, suggesting a commitment to his legacy even after his presidency.
While these efforts have met with mixed reactions, it reflects a passionate and vocal segment of the Republican base that believes in honoring Trump’s influence in American politics.