The Trump administration has taken control of Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, removing management from Amtrak as of today. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision, citing the station's "disrepair" and emphasizing the need to restore safety and beauty to the capital's key rail hub.
This move is part of a broader federal initiative to exert authority over the District of Columbia, which has included recent deployments of the National Guard. Duffy stated that the administration aims to address ongoing safety concerns and improve the infrastructure at one of the busiest transit points in the nation.
Union Station, which serves over 40,000 passengers daily, has faced criticism over its maintenance and overall condition. The decision to shift control from Amtrak, which has managed the station for decades, marks a significant change in oversight and may lead to new management practices aimed at revitalizing the facility.
The implications of this takeover remain to be seen, as federal officials have not outlined specific plans for the station's immediate future. However, this decision aligns with the administration's recent developments in urban safety, including recent crime-fighting initiatives and broader national security efforts.
