President Trump reportedly offered to release frozen infrastructure funds in exchange for renaming major transport hubs after himself, according to US media.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump reportedly offered to unfreeze billions in federal infrastructure funding in exchange for help renaming major transport hubs after himself. Citing unnamed sources, CNN and NBC reported the quid-pro-quo offer was made to top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer last month.
The proposal involved renaming Washington’s Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station. Senator Schumer, who represents New York, rebuffed the offer according to the reports.
The blocked funds, totalling USD 16 billion, are meant for a tunnel project connecting New York and New Jersey. Both states are currently suing the federal government to release the money.
This follows a pattern of Trump seeking to attach his name to national infrastructure. In December, the board of the Kennedy Center arts complex voted to rename itself the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
The Treasury has also confirmed drafts exist for a commemorative USD 1 coin featuring Trump’s image. This is despite laws against displaying the image of a sitting or living president on currency.
New York Representative Jerry Nadler criticised the renaming proposal, calling it an “extortion racket.” The push to insert his name across government assets is seen as unprecedented for a sitting president.
Buildings and infrastructure are typically named after presidents only after they leave office or die. This practice aims to avoid overt politicisation of public assets.
Trump, a former real estate mogul, has a long history of placing his name on properties worldwide. His administration has also launched new construction projects like an “Independence Arch” and a new White House ballroom.
On Thursday, the president separately unveiled a government website called TrumpRx. The site is designed to offer low-cost prescription drugs to the public.
