Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the renovation of New York City’s Penn Station will be a top priority for the Trump administration, pledging to accelerate the project with a timeline described as “the speed of Trump.” Officials announced the overhaul, which the federal government has taken over from the state of New York, is expected to begin by the end of 2027.

Duffy criticized the current state of Penn Station, noting that “the clocks don’t even work,” and stated, “Enough is enough.” He highlighted the project’s goal to transform the transit hub into a “world-class” facility, vowing to avoid prolonged delays associated with previous plans. “This is not about backroom thinking or spending money on unfulfilled promises,” Duffy said. “This is about moving quickly and beautifully through the process.”

A $43 million federal grant to Amtrak will support the redevelopment, which includes reconstructing the aging station and expanding rail capacity. The Trump administration recently transferred control of the project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), citing concerns over the state’s ability to deliver results. Duffy defended the decision, stating that New York had failed to complete the transformation despite years of planning.

The federal government will accept proposals for the station’s redevelopment in October, with construction slated to start by 2027. Duffy also hinted at the possibility of renaming the hub in honor of the president, declaring, “We are going to make Union & Penn Station BEAUTIFUL again. We are going to make transit SAFE again.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul had previously ceded control of the project to the federal government, stating that the state prioritized creating a “beautiful Penn Station” aligned with Trump’s vision. Meanwhile, Duffy faces legal challenges over congestion pricing policies, but he reiterated the administration’s commitment to the initiative as a key priority.