Story perspectives

Jeffries Slams Trump’s 'Graffiti' Tactic Over Tunnel Funds

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for linking Gateway Tunnel funds to a renaming proposal.
Jeffries called the idea 'presidential graffiti' and unacceptable.
Trump said Chuck Schumer suggested the renaming; Schumer denied it and called Trump's statement an 'absolute lie.'
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump raised the renaming idea during funding discussions.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze the Gateway Tunnel funds.

History

Historical Context

The Gateway Tunnel project, initiated by Amtrak in 2011, aims to enhance rail capacity between New Jersey and New York. However, funding disputes emerged, notably in 2019 when the federal government withheld $900 million. This conflict reflects historical tensions over infrastructure funding, reminiscent of the controversial cancellation of the Access to the Region's Core project in 2010, which also faced significant political and financial challenges.

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Story summary

Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for linking Gateway Tunnel funds to a renaming proposal.
Jeffries called the idea 'presidential graffiti' and unacceptable.
Trump said Chuck Schumer suggested the renaming; Schumer denied it and called Trump's statement an 'absolute lie.'
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump raised the renaming idea during funding discussions.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze the Gateway Tunnel funds.

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