Trump is threatening 72,000 jobs in New Jersey and New York

On Sunday, the Trump administration escalated its fight to freeze $16 billion in federal funds for the Gateway Tunnel Project, appealing a court order from Friday that would force the administration to unfreeze the funds. For months, in yet another example of Donald Trump putting his own vanity over the needs of working families, Trump has held the funds hostage so that he can use it as a bargaining chip to have Washington Dulles Airport and New York’s Penn Station named after him. His move was met with swift resistance: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill hit back with a vow to not back down until funding is restored, while Governor Kathy Hochul said she is fighting to end Trump’s illegal action and deliver for New Yorkers. 

The Gateway Tunnel Project is critical to improving the lives of working New Jerseyans and New Yorkers. It will improve services for over 200,000 daily commuters, generate over $200 billion in value for the region, and create 72,000 local jobs. 

A reminder: Trump has already put the New York and New Jersey job markets in a vice. As a result of his failed economic policies, over 66,000 and 109,000 layoffs have been announced in New Jersey and New York during Trump’s first year back in office, pushing the unemployment rate up in both states.

In response, DNC Spokesperson Albert Fujii released the following statement:

“Destroying 150,000 New Jersey and New York jobs wasn’t good enough — now, Donald Trump wants to destroy an additional 72,000 jobs and throw the states’ economies into an even deeper crisis. Time and time again, Donald Trump proves he doesn’t give a damn about selling out working families if it means he can put his name on another building. While Donald Trump abandons his campaign promises and working people, Democrats will keep fighting to lower costs and protect jobs.”

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