The truth comes out.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reacted angrily Friday after President Donald Trump publicly claimed that the New York Democrat had privately suggested renaming Penn Station in Trump’s honor.
Schumer quickly denied the allegation, calling it an “absolute lie” in a social media post and accusing the president of misrepresenting their discussions. The Senate Democratic leader insisted that no such proposal was ever made and said Trump alone has the authority to move forward on major infrastructure projects tied to federal funding.
The disagreement centers on the long-delayed Gateway tunnel project, a critical rail connection between New York and New Jersey with a projected cost exceeding $16 billion. According to multiple media reports, President Trump previously floated the idea of renaming major transportation hubs—such as Penn Station or Washington Dulles International Airport—as part of broader negotiations over infrastructure funding.
Schumer reportedly rejected the concept last month, arguing that renaming federal transportation assets was beyond the scope of the discussion and outside presidential authority. Sources familiar with the talks said the proposal was never formally advanced.
However, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, President Trump offered a sharply different account. He stated that Schumer personally raised the idea of renaming Penn Station and referred to it as “Trump Station.” The president added that Washington Dulles International Airport operates under a different framework and involves less direct congressional oversight.
The conflicting narratives immediately triggered criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York dismissed the reported proposal as unrealistic, stating that naming rights should not be part of infrastructure negotiations. She also accused the administration of prioritizing symbolism over economic concerns facing New Yorkers.
Gillibrand further argued that recent federal trade policies have contributed to higher costs in the state, while Republicans countered that Democratic leadership has delayed major infrastructure solutions for years despite repeated funding opportunities.
The broader debate over naming federal landmarks predates this latest dispute. Just days after President Trump was sworn in for his second term in 2025, Representative Addison McDowell introduced legislation proposing that Washington Dulles International Airport be renamed in Trump’s honor. Supporters noted that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport already bears the name of a former president, citing historical precedent.
Similar controversies have emerged across Washington, D.C., during Trump’s second administration. Several national institutions added Trump’s name to facilities in late 2025, drawing criticism from progressive groups and longtime establishment figures.
Reports also surfaced suggesting Trump expressed interest in having Washington’s new professional football stadium named after him. While the White House did not confirm the reports, officials said the idea had not been formally discussed.
At the state level, Florida lawmakers recently advanced legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The proposal passed unanimously through a Senate transportation committee, including support from Democratic members.
Backers of the Florida measure argued the recognition reflects Trump’s deep ties to the state and his historic role as the first Florida-based president. Supporters emphasized that airport naming decisions are ultimately state matters and reflect local priorities.
As the clash with Schumer demonstrates, even informal discussions about infrastructure and naming rights can quickly escalate into political flashpoints. Yet the episode also highlights how President Trump continues to dominate national debate, shaping conversations across Washington, state legislatures, and the broader political landscape.
