Designs for the renovation of New York’s Penn Station with the Trump stamp are presented

The United States Department of Transportation presented the first designs for the “historic” remodeling of New York’s Penn Station, a project expected to begin before the end of 2027 with which Donald Trump’s administration seeks to turn the terminal into a major transport hub.

«The golden age of transportation is about to begin thanks to President Trump. He had the vision to transform this dirty and dilapidated station, located in the center of his hometown, into a state-of-the-art transportation hub that millions of people will be able to enjoy for generations to come,» declared Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, according to a statement.

According to Duffy, the presentation of the designs “offers the public” proof that the Administration “is committed to achieving results for Americans.”

The images of the comprehensive renovation of the station show a spacious terminal, with a large single-level lobby, in which underground corridors are replaced by space with natural light, and where light-colored materials, wood, and a touch of gold prevail, in line with the federal style that Trump has sought to imprint on public works for civil and monumental use. 

We recommend reading: Trump announces retaliation against Iran for shooting down a US helicopter

Transportation Undersecretary Steve Bradbury stated that among the new features of the project to create an “innovative, world-class station” is a grand entrance on Eighth Avenue leading to a new concourse.

The station renovation

The plan, developed by the Penn Transformation Partners alliance (which includes Skanska, HNTB New York Engineering, Vornado, Severud Associates, and Langan), has been approved by the national railway company Amtrak, with the direct involvement of Trump.

It is estimated that the cost of renovating this station, through which more than 600,000 passengers pass daily, could amount to 8 billion dollars.

The project has caused tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic authorities, especially after the president proposed naming the station after himself, which in some of the renderings would include a plaque with Donald Trump’s name along with the presidential seal. 

According to local media, Trump allegedly conditioned this proposal on the release of federal funds for railway projects, the Gateway in the case of New York, which provides for a new tunnel and the modernization of existing infrastructure under the Hudson River to improve the connection between New York and New Jersey.