WMATA Federal Funds Contingent on Renaming Metrorail the 'Trump Train'

The “Make Autorail Great Again Act” is short, but it packs a punch, focusing entirely on leveraging federal funding to force a name change on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Essentially, this bill says the transit authority—which runs the Metro system serving D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—can’t get any federal cash unless it officially changes its name and the name of the Metrorail system.

The Name Game: No Cash Without Compliance

Section 2 of the Act lays down the law: WMATA must formally amend its founding agreement, known as the Compact, to adopt new names. First, the organization itself must change its name to either the “Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access” or simply “WMAGA.” But here’s the kicker: the Metrorail system itself must be renamed the “Trump Train.” If WMATA doesn't push these name changes through the Compact amendment process, the federal funding spigot shuts off completely. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a hard requirement tied directly to the money that keeps the trains running and the tracks maintained.

What This Means for Your Commute and Wallet

For the millions of people who ride the Metro every day—from federal workers heading into D.C. to construction crews moving between job sites—this bill creates a massive operational risk. WMATA relies heavily on federal funding for major capital projects, safety upgrades, and even day-to-day operations. If that funding is withheld because the regional authority refuses to adopt a politically charged name like the “Trump Train,” the consequences are immediate and severe. We’re talking about delayed maintenance, potential service cuts, and a rapid decline in system reliability, all because of a naming dispute.

The Administrative Headache of the Compact

Changing the name isn't as simple as updating a logo. The WMATA Compact is a formal agreement among D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, approved by Congress. Amending it is a complex, multi-jurisdictional process that requires approval from three separate legislative bodies. This bill forces WMATA to undertake this massive administrative lift—not for a safety upgrade or a service expansion—but solely to change the names to specific, politically mandated choices. This requirement introduces significant political friction and bureaucratic delay into a system that needs stable funding and efficient governance. If the jurisdictions can't agree on the name changes, the financial penalty falls squarely on the riders and the region's economy, as essential federal infrastructure dollars disappear.