Trump Administration Tells Judge It Will Release Gateway Funding

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by Patrick McGeehan

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Trump administration has resumed federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel project between New York City and New Jersey after a four-month suspension. This decision followed legal pressure, with Judge Jeannette Vargas ordering the Department of Transportation to stop withholding funds by February 12. The halt in payments had caused significant delays, leaving the government owing approximately $205 million and resulting in the layoff of about 1,000 union workers. The suspension was initially justified by administration officials as a review of contracts under revised federal regulations. However, recent revelations suggest that President Trump sought to rename two major transportation hubs—Washington Dulles International Airport and Pennsylvania Station—in exchange for releasing the funds. Senator Chuck Schumer, who opposed this demand, filed lawsuits alongside New York and New Jersey, accusing the federal government of causing unnecessary harm through the funding freeze. The Gateway project is considered the most critical infrastructure initiative in the U.S., with $11 billion pledged by the federal government. Its suspension had halted construction, raising concerns about its future. The resumption of payments marks a legal victory for the states and highlights the complex interplay between politics and public projects. This development underscores the ongoing challenges of funding major infrastructure projects under shifting political priorities. Readers interested in news about transportation, infrastructure, and federal-state relations will find this story significant as it reflects both economic and political stakes. The resolution also raises questions about the long-term stability of such projects amidst行政 changes and regulatory reviews.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026