Trump Seizes Union Station Control From Amtrak Amid DC Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has stripped Amtrak of control over Union Station, placing management under the Transportation Department. Officials say the move aims to restore safety and aesthetics, aligning with Trump’s $2 billion plan to “beautify” Washington. Critics view it as part of a wider federal power grab over the capital.
Trump Seizes Union Station Control Quick Looks
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Union Station management shift from Amtrak to DOT.
- Station criticized for disrepair and crime; troops have patrolled site for weeks.
- Trump seeks $2 billion from Congress to “beautify” Washington.
- Federal intervention follows broader anti-crime initiative in the capital.
- Amtrak President Roger Harris present for unveiling of new NextGen Acela train.
- Local officials dispute Trump’s crime claims, citing declining statistics.
Trump Seizes Union Station Control From Amtrak Amid DC Crackdown
Deep Look
The Biden-era partnership that left Union Station in Amtrak’s hands has officially ended under the Trump administration, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that the federal government will take direct control of Washington’s central rail hub.
Duffy’s statement, issued just before the debut of Amtrak’s NextGen Acela high-speed train, framed the takeover as both a public safety measure and a symbolic move to restore the prestige of one of Washington’s busiest landmarks.
“Union Station should be a point of pride, not disrepair,” Duffy said. “By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost.”
His remarks echoed President Donald Trump’s calls last week for $2 billion in federal funding to beautify Washington, a campaign he has linked to his broader crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.
Federal Power in Washington
Union Station, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, has become a centerpiece of Trump’s latest assertion of federal power over the District of Columbia. Earlier this month, the president ordered thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers into Washington to curb what he described as out-of-control crime.
Local police data shows violent crime has been trending downward in recent years, but Trump has dismissed those figures as manipulated, offering no evidence. His framing of the city as unsafe has provided justification for high-profile interventions, including the federal takeover of its largest transit hub.
Military Presence and Political Backlash
The deployment of federal forces has been particularly visible at Union Station, where troops have been patrolling inside and outside the facility for weeks. The presence has stirred controversy: Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were loudly heckled by protesters during a recent visit with soldiers stationed there.
The decision to strip Amtrak of station management adds another layer of federal control, sparking debate about the limits of Washington’s autonomy under a president intent on reshaping the city.
Amtrak Under Fire
Union Station, long plagued by construction delays, safety concerns, and retail vacancies, has drawn increasing scrutiny. In March, Duffy sent a letter to Amtrak’s chief operating officer demanding a stronger plan to address public safety. The announcement of the management shift suggests the administration lost patience with the rail operator’s efforts.
Despite tensions, Amtrak President Roger Harris joined Duffy at Wednesday’s unveiling of the new NextGen Acela, a milestone for the company’s high-speed rail ambitions. Still, the takeover risks overshadowing what should have been a celebratory moment for America’s largest passenger rail provider.
Looking Ahead
According to a Transportation Department advisory, Duffy is expected to outline additional plans to turn Union Station into a “world-class transit hub.” The station, which first opened in 1907, has seen major renovations over the decades but remains a focal point of federal and local disputes over crime, development, and governance.
For Trump, however, the message is clear: reclaiming Union Station is not only about transit or aesthetics but also about reinforcing federal authority in a city he views as dysfunctional. The move underscores his willingness to extend control over Washington’s institutions, even at the cost of clashing with traditional local oversight and raising questions about the future balance of power in the capital.
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