Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has introduced a bill in Washington, DC, on Thursday to rename the subway system in honor of President Trump and his slogan.
The Make Autorail Great Act aims to withhold federal funds from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) until it is rebranded as a Metropolitan Authority to enhance access.
“WMATA has received billions in federal aid over the years but still faces various operational, safety, and financial issues,” Steube stated. “In the spirit of accountability, this bill conditions federal funding on necessary reforms that reflect a shift from bureaucratic inertia to excellence and patriotism.”
Steube’s legislation is among several Republican efforts to invoke Trump’s name and brand. Rep. Addison McDowell (R-N.C.) proposed renaming Washington Dulles International Airport after Trump, while Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) has introduced a bill to print a $250 bill featuring a portrait of Trump.
A statement from Steube’s office emphasized that this initiative represents “more than just a name change: it’s about performance and transformation.”
“Just as struggling institutions require a new identity that reflects efficiency, quality service, and public trust, these new names serve as critical points for essential reform,” Steube noted, mentioning that the district is gearing up to host significant events like the 2027 NFL Draft.
According to Steube’s release, WMATA receives roughly $150 million in federal funds annually from its federal matching program. The agency reported receiving $154.5 million from Virginia, $167 million from Maryland, and $178.5 million from Washington, D.C., as per the 2024 Annual Report.
This week, WMATA announced significant updates to its fare payment system, allowing riders to enter and exit stations using contactless credit or debit cards, eliminating the need for a Metro card.
Source: thehill.com