Washington, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), led by Secretary Sean P. Duffy, announced Wednesday that it will assume management of Washington’s Union Station from Amtrak, heralding a fresh federal drive to restore the historic transportation hub. The decision marks yet another assertive move by the Trump administration to tighten control over operations in the nation’s capital. The change will be formalized through a renegotiated cooperative agreement involving Amtrak and the nonprofit Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC).
The announcement came just prior to the debut of Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela high-speed train. Secretary Duffy noted that Union Station—originally intended as a symbol of civic pride—has deteriorated into a site marred by neglect, crime, and homelessness. He emphasized that reclaiming station management would make the city both “safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost,” echoing President Trump’s broader demands for a $2 billion beautification initiative for Washington.
The DOT’s takeover is expected to reinvigorate Union Station’s retail and passenger functions. Plans include infrastructure upgrades such as improved elevators, lighting and security enhancements, a new roof, and an overall boost to the passenger experience. The goal is to unlock private investment by leveraging commercial assets under direct USRC management, with formal action anticipated in September.
Federal presence around the station has already intensified: National Guard troops and other federal law enforcement have been visible in and around the hub amid the administration’s efforts to project authority over the District. This is part of a series of federal interventions in D.C., which also include policing operations and broader enforcement actions.
Supporters say repositioning Union Station under DOT management will revitalize a vital transit gateway and improve safety and revenue—a much-needed overhaul for a station that has long struggled post-pandemic. Critics, however, view the move as another overreach in the White House’s expanding federal footprint in the capital. The unfolding transition will be closely watched, especially once formal control shifts in September.
