The Trump administration announced Thursday it is seizing control of the long-stalled renovation project of New York City's Pennsylvania Station, effectively removing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from leading the massive undertaking. Federal transportation officials declared the move necessary due to the MTA's alleged history of "inefficiency, waste and mismanagement."
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the decision came directly from President Trump, emphasizing an end to "reckless spending and blank checks." In a released statement, Duffy asserted, "New York City deserves a Penn Station that reflects America’s greatness and is safe and clean. The MTA’s history of inefficiency, waste and mismanagement also meant that a new approach is needed.” The federal government intends for Amtrak, the owner of Penn Station, to spearhead the project in partnership with private investors.
Kyle Fields' letter to MTA Chair Janno Lieber formalized the takeover, stipulating that Amtrak will now oversee both the reconstruction and any potential expansion of the station under a single federal grant. This directive effectively sidelines the MTA's years-long planning efforts for the station, which is one of the nation's busiest transit hubs and has long been criticized for its cramped and outdated conditions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded to the federal action by publicly thanking President Trump and Secretary Duffy for assuming "sole responsibility" for the $7 billion project. Hochul suggested she had successfully lobbied the Trump administration for federal funding for the Penn Station overhaul, portraying the takeover as a financial boon for the state. "This is a major victory for New Yorkers, and the use of federal funds will save New York taxpayers $1.3 billion that would have otherwise been necessary for this project,” Hochul stated.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber acknowledged the federal government's decision, noting the MTA's status as the "major leaseholder" within Penn Station. Lieber indicated he anticipates the MTA's continued involvement to "participate in the administration’s and Amtrak’s efforts to ensure future plans meet the needs of everyone who uses it.” However, the shift in leadership signifies a significant reduction in the MTA's control over a project of vital importance to the New York metropolitan region.
Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, expressed conditional support for the federal takeover. Wright commented that while the MTA had successes like the Long Island Rail Road concourse renovation, overall progress on Penn Station had stalled. Wright suggested that federal leadership, given Amtrak's ownership of the station, could be a positive step if it accelerates the long-delayed project. He even jokingly entertained renaming the station after President Trump if it guaranteed a better outcome.
The move follows a recent proposal from Trump allies, including the National Civic Art Society, advocating for a neoclassical redesign of Penn Station and the relocation of Madison Square Garden. Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Art Society, lauded the federal takeover, expressing hope that President Trump's known preference for classical architecture would guide the station's redesign. Shubow stated, "We are delighted that the administration is taking charge. Only President Trump can get a new Penn Station built after generations of politicians have failed."
This federal intervention in Penn Station comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and New York State over transportation policy, particularly regarding the MTA's congestion pricing program, which the President has aimed to dismantle. Governor Hochul has reportedly been in discussions with the Trump administration on both the Penn Station project and the future of congestion pricing in Manhattan.