White House Press Secretary Confirms President Trump Suggested Renaming New York Penn Station While Facing Criticism From Senator Chuck Schumer

During Tuesday’s White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt may have unintentionally confirmed a claim that President Donald Trump falsely shifted the story about renaming New York’s Penn Station.

Leavitt was asked why Trump requested Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to help rename the historic train station “Trump Station.”

On Air Force One the previous Friday, Trump claimed it was Schumer’s idea.

Schumer, however, immediately refuted that claim on X, calling it an “absolute lie.”

Leavitt’s answer didn’t correct the record. Instead, she said,

“It was something the President floated in his conversation with— with Chuck Schumer,”

effectively confirming Schumer’s version of events.

Gateway Tunnel Funding and Trump’s Leverage

The naming request is intertwined with the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project, a long-delayed rail initiative to replace the aging North River Tunnel connecting New York City and New Jersey.

Federal funding for the project had been frozen, and top administration officials reportedly told Schumer he could unfreeze the funds if he helped Trump get his name attached to Penn Station and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Schumer declined, emphasizing he doesn’t have direct authority over either location.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the move, stating that the funding halt was due to Trump “throwing a temper tantrum,” highlighting the political tension surrounding infrastructure spending and presidential legacy-building.

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Trump’s Legacy Projects Continue

This episode is part of a broader pattern of Trump putting his personal stamp on government projects.

Other high-profile initiatives include:

• Renovations to the White House, including a controversial East Wing demolition to create a Trumpian ballroom.

• Renovations at the Kennedy Center, featuring marble-accented seating and plans for a two-year closure.

• Trump $1 coins to mark the country’s 250th birthday, sparking criticism that a sitting president should not appear on currency.

Trump’s efforts show a focus on cementing his legacy in public spaces, even as his term continues.

Controversy and Public Backlash

The move to tie federal funding to a naming request has raised ethical questions.

Critics argue that holding up infrastructure money for personal branding crosses a line, while supporters claim Trump is using negotiation leverage typical in political deals.

Meanwhile, Schumer’s swift public rebuttal reinforces the narrative that Trump attempted to shift responsibility for the idea.

What’s Next

• The Gateway Tunnel project will remain on hold until federal funds are released, delaying critical infrastructure upgrades in the Northeast corridor.

• Lawmakers and state officials may increase scrutiny on presidential influence over federal project funding and naming requests.

• Public debate over Trump’s legacy projects and the ethics of using federal dollars for personal branding is expected to continue.

• Monitoring of additional Trump initiatives—like White House renovations and commemorative coin programs—will likely increase as his term progresses.

Summary

• President Trump falsely claimed Schumer proposed renaming Penn Station, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president originated the idea.

• Trump reportedly tried to use the naming request to unlock $16 billion in federal funds for the Gateway Tunnel, which remain frozen.

• Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the funding hold as a “temper tantrum”, while Schumer emphasized he has no authority to approve station naming.

• The episode fits into Trump’s broader focus on legacy projects, including White House renovations, Kennedy Center updates, and commemorative $1 coins.

• The controversy raises questions about presidential influence over federal spending and personal branding, and the Gateway Tunnel project will remain delayed until funds are released.