New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reversing her stance regarding a suggestion to name Penn Station after Donald Trump. This proposal was made as an attempt to secure Trump’s support for completing renovations on Penn Station, with Trump once being involved in transportation-related controversies. Hochul mentioned that naming the station after Trump could potentially attract a $7 billion investment, saving the state $1.3 billion. However, she acknowledged that it is not her preference to see the station bear his name.
Some critics argue against naming the station after Trump, citing his past legal issues, including 34 felony convictions, a fraud lawsuit by Attorney General Leticia James, and a $88 million judgment concerning E. Jean Carroll. Hochul’s consideration of this idea is seen as a necessary engagement with Trump, despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, as experienced by other governors in blue or purple states.
New Yorkers have seen changes in Penn Station, but certain areas remain unrenovated and outdated. Despite the potential benefits for Amtrak travelers and other improvements, there is strong opposition to associating Trump’s name with the station’s revival. This sentiment is compared to the removal of the Sackler name from institutions due to negative associations.
Moreover, there is criticism of Trump’s policies, with concerns about their impact on both domestic and foreign affairs, including deportations and medical research funding cuts. The suggestion to name Penn Station after Trump continues to face backlash, and critics urge Governor Hochul to reconsider.
In summary, though the investment opportunities are significant, the idea of naming Penn Station after Donald Trump is met with substantial opposition, reflecting broader disapproval of his legal and policy-related actions.
