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23h ago

GOP lawmaker ties DC Metro’s federal funding to 'Trump Train' rebranding

Steube says the move will spur operational reforms by making WMATA’s roughly $150 million in annual aid contingent on adopting Trump-branded names.

A train arrives at Metro Center station, April 23, 2021, in Washington D.C.
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Overview

  • On May 29, Rep. Greg Steube introduced the Make Autorail Great Again Act to rename WMATA as WMAGA and the Metrorail the Trump Train.
  • The bill would withhold approximately $150 million in annual federal matching funds until the agency completes the Trump-themed rebrand.
  • Steube argues that conditioning aid on a name change will enforce accountability and drive reforms to address WMATA’s operational, safety and fiscal challenges.
  • The proposal faces opposition in Washington, D.C., where fewer than 7% of voters supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
  • Meanwhile, WMATA has rolled out a major contactless fare payment upgrade allowing riders to tap credit or debit cards at turnstiles.