Story perspectives

Judge Blocks Trump Freeze of $16 B Gateway Tunnel Funds

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Jeannette Vargas barred the Trump administration from freezing $16 billion for Gateway Tunnel, calling the freeze a federal law violation.
President Donald Trump declared project terminated in October, citing an impasse with Chuck Schumer and a review of diversity-contracting rules.
Governors Kathy Hochul and Mikie Sherrill praised the ruling as Gateway Development Commission paused work for two weeks, laid off 1,000 workers and tapped a line of credit for payroll.

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Story summary

Judge Jeannette Vargas barred the Trump administration from freezing $16 billion for Gateway Tunnel, calling the freeze a federal law violation.
President Donald Trump declared project terminated in October, citing an impasse with Chuck Schumer and a review of diversity-contracting rules.
Governors Kathy Hochul and Mikie Sherrill praised the ruling as Gateway Development Commission paused work for two weeks, laid off 1,000 workers and tapped a line of credit for payroll.