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The station originally opened in 1907 and has been a key transportation hub for over a century.
Union Station has experienced fluctuating fortunes over its nearly 120-year history | File Image
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it is assuming control over one of the Washington D.C.’s major transit hubs, the historic Union Station. The move was formally revealed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a press event held at Union Station, alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris.
Duffy criticised the current condition of the station, declaring it had “fallen into disrepair” despite being a “point of pride” for the District of Columbia. The federal government owns Union Station, which is located just blocks from the US Capitol.
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“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy stated, referring to President Donald Trump’s broader vision for restoring federal properties and asserting greater control over the capital’s infrastructure.
The announcement coincided with the launch of an upgraded version of Amtrak’s Acela train, a high-speed service in the Northeast Corridor. The event marks yet another example of the Trump administration increasing its influence over the governance of Washington D.C.
In recent weeks, the federal government has undertaken several assertive actions in the capital, including a boost in the number of federal law enforcement and immigration officers. The administration has also taken over operations of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed National Guard troops as part of a wider anti-crime initiative.
Duffy argued that the federal government is better positioned to manage Union Station efficiently. He suggested that attracting more retail outlets and restaurants would generate additional revenue, which could be reinvested into much-needed station upgrades. The station originally opened in 1907 and has been a key transportation hub for over a century.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed support for the takeover, noting the city’s financial limitations in managing such a large-scale renovation. “It has suffered from not being able to get the money that it needs for the renovation,” Bowser said during a separate press briefing.
Union Station has experienced fluctuating fortunes over its nearly 120-year history. In recent years, it has become a common refuge for homeless individuals, particularly in the area surrounding Columbus Circle. The National Park Service cleared the encampments in June 2022 due to safety and sanitation concerns.
Control and management of the building have shifted multiple times, reflecting its complex federal and local significance.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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