Trump says he’ll free infrastructure funds for New York if Penn Station is renamed after him | Donald Trump

Donald Trump told the Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, that he would free up funds for major infrastructure projects in New York City if he supports renaming Dulles international airport and Penn Station.

The request, first reported on Thursday Punchbowl NewsThe announcement comes after the president in October halted $18 billion in funding for a major subway line expansion in New York City and a new rail tunnel connecting the city to New Jersey. The funding freeze was announced on the first day of a 43-day government shutdown in which Schumer, who represents New York, played a key role.

Schumer’s spokesman did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment.

Trump, who is ineligible to serve another term as president, has put his name on a number of government buildings and websites, including the Kennedy Center and the US Institute of Peace, since taking office a year ago. It is unclear whether either change is legal.

He also pushed congressional Republicans to create new tax-advantaged investment accounts for young people called “Trump Accounts” and announced a new government-run website to sell discounted prescription drugs called TrumpRX.com.

The president is also reportedly planning to build a 250-foot arch across the river from Washington, DC, which would dwarf the Lincoln Memorial.