US President Donald Trump’s administration is planning to reclaim management of Washington, DC’s Union Station, removing Amtrak from its current role in running the historic rail hub. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the plan on Wednesday during the launch of Amtrak’s new Acela high-speed train, saying the federal government intends to directly oversee the station to tackle crime, homelessness, and long-delayed maintenance.

Union Station, located near the Capitol, has been managed by a nonprofit corporation in partnership with Amtrak, despite being federally owned. The Trump administration claims that the arrangement has fallen short in maintaining the station’s cleanliness, safety, and financial stability.

A USD 10 billion redevelopment plan introduced under the Biden administration will be scrapped, with a new federally led strategy expected to be unveiled next month.

“This isn’t about a power play — it’s about results,” Duffy said. “We want Union Station to reflect the strength of our capital and to be a place people are proud to travel through.”

The plan comes as part of broader efforts by Trump to expand federal oversight in the capital, including the deployment of National Guard troops and the assumption of control over the local police department.

Amtrak, which recently launched faster Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor, will continue as a partner during the transition but will no longer manage daily operations.

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With inputs from agencies

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