🚇 Proposal to Rename DC Metro the "Trump Train" Draws National Attention

A Bold Transit Rebrand Proposal Hits D.C.

In May 2025, a surprising proposal emerged from Capitol Hill that could reshape the identity of Washington, D.C.’s most vital transit system. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced the “Make Autorail Great Again Act,” a bill aiming to rename the Washington Metro rail system as the “Trump Train” and rebrand the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as the “Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access” (WMAGA)—a clear nod to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

What the Bill Would Do

The proposal lays out several drastic changes tied directly to federal funding:

• Rename the Metrorail system to the “Trump Train”

• Rebrand WMATA to WMAGA

• Tie $150 million in annual federal funding to compliance with the name change

While WMATA received $614 million in total grants in 2024, including support for both operations and maintenance, this bill focuses only on the rail system and agency name—Metrobus and other services are not mentioned.

The Motivation Behind the Renaming

Rep. Steube claims the rebranding effort is about performance, accountability, and national pride. He argues that WMATA has long faced safety, fiscal, and operational issues, and that the new identity would represent a cultural shift.

“It’s time to move away from bureaucratic stagnation and toward public-facing excellence and patriotism,” said Steube in a press release.

He also cited upcoming global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 NFL Draft, both of which are expected to bring international attention to the D.C. region. “We need a transit system that reflects the highest standards,” he added.

Part of a Larger Pattern

The “Trump Train” proposal is not a standalone event. In recent years, several GOP lawmakers have introduced legislation to:

• Rename Dulles International Airport after Trump

• Issue Trump-themed U.S. currency

• Rename public infrastructure in honor of the 45th president

These moves are often framed as efforts to honor Trump’s legacy, but critics argue they’re largely symbolic and not rooted in substantive policy change.

Critics Push Back

Transit advocates and political observers have called the proposal political theater, questioning whether a name change would have any meaningful impact on WMATA’s core problems.

Some D.C. residents and officials have expressed frustration that such legislation distracts from urgent transit needs, such as funding shortfalls, delayed maintenance, and service disruptions across the Metro system.

Will It Actually Pass?

Despite the attention, the bill currently:

• Has no co-sponsors in Congress

• Faces steep opposition in both chambers

• Has received no official comment from WMATA or local transit leaders

Given the lack of momentum and bipartisan support, most experts consider it a long-shot proposal unlikely to move forward.

The Bottom Line

The proposal to rename the DC Metro as the “Trump Train” might grab headlines, but it’s unlikely to reshape public transit in Washington, D.C.—at least for now. Still, it signals how naming rights and public infrastructure have become part of the political battlefield.

As the region gears up for global events and continues to tackle its transit challenges, the focus may need to remain on funding, safety, and modernization, rather than political rebranding.

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