Steube introduces MAGA Act to transform Washington Metro into ‘Trump Train’

Rep. Greg Steube from Florida has introduced a new bill called “The Make Autorail Great Again (MAGA) Act,” which aims to rename the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to “WMAGA” in honor of President Donald Trump. The bill also proposes renaming the METRO rail system to the “Trump Train.” The bill would withhold $150 million in federal funding from WMATA until these changes are implemented.

Steube cited a 1966 District of Columbia law that granted congressional consent for the establishment of WMATA as the basis for his proposal. He emphasized the need for accountability and a cultural shift towards excellence and patriotism within the organization. WMATA has received significant federal assistance over the years but continues to face operational, safety, and fiscal challenges.

The day-to-day operations of WMATA and the METRO are currently controlled by its board, not Congress. The organization also receives funding and recommendations from the three state/district stakeholders. Despite political names already existing for some METRO stations, such as Ronald Reagan and John Dulles, renaming the entire system in honor of a dignitary has never been attempted before.

Steube believes that WMATA is a struggling institution in need of a fresh identity, especially with upcoming global events scheduled in the region. These events include the 2027 NFL Draft and FIFA World Cup matches, which will bring increased attention to the area. The bill aims to bring about a cultural shift within WMATA towards public-facing excellence and patriotism.

While the proposal has sparked debate and controversy, it remains to be seen how it will be received by the public and stakeholders. The renaming of public transportation systems is a rare occurrence and could have significant implications for the region. As discussions continue, the future of the “Trump Train” and “WMAGA” remains uncertain.

Charles Creitz, a reporter for Fox News Digital, covers media, politics, and culture. He joined Fox News in 2013 and has been reporting on a wide range of topics since then. With a background in broadcast journalism from Temple University, Charles brings a unique perspective to his reporting. For story tips or inquiries, he can be reached at charles.creitz@fox.com.