Mikie Sherrill, a candidate in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, has accused President Trump of threatening the future of the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project under the Hudson River. This comes as Democrats remain resistant to a temporary spending bill aimed at reopening the government.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that the current government shutdown had “cut off” essential federal funds needed for this key infrastructure initiative, which aims to replace an aging tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York.
Sherrill strongly criticized Trump for intensifying pressure, labeling his actions as “out of control.” She expressed her frustrations during a press conference in Secaucus, highlighting that Congress had essentially secured the federal government’s entire financial commitment for the project. “And now we see the president spiraling out of control, saying he’s going to cancel it,” she said.
She reaffirmed their determination, saying, “We’re going to fight for it, just like everyone else here. There’s no way he can just walk away from it.”
Following the government’s partial shutdown, Trump’s administration paused funding for significant renovation and expansion efforts. Initially, it was expected that Uncle Sam would cover around 70% of the costs, roughly $11.7 billion, while state and local contributions would also play a role.
On the same day, Trump criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, declaring the project “dead.” He remarked, “It’s not just about jobs; we’re talking about billions that were 20 years in the making—canceled. Just tell him it’s done.”
It’s uncertain what Trump truly means by these remarks or if his team will resume funding once the federal government reopens. Historically, he has shown interest in infrastructure projects.
Yet, his frustrated comments emerged just as Senate Democrats had voted multiple times against funding proposals put forth by the House, failing again for the tenth time to advance a bill. While the House ultimately managed to pass the bill, Sherrill and nearly all her Democratic peers voted against it, except for one member.
Local authorities warned that without federal support, the Gateway Tunnel project could run out of funding in about 45 days. Efforts are already underway at several construction sites in both states to link New Jersey to Penn Station, which is the busiest rail corridor in the country.
The existing tunnel is about 115 years old and suffered severe damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
In the meantime, Sherrill took the opportunity to critique Republican Jack Ciatarelli, suggesting he wouldn’t be a robust negotiator with Trump, who supports him. “To work with this president, you need a firm stance,” she argued. She added, “The other side seems to have given in even before negotiations started, which shows what power Ciatarelli has—or doesn’t have—over the president.”
Ciatarelli, on the other hand, attributes the turmoil surrounding the Gateway Tunnel project to the government shutdown and places the blame on Sherrill.
He stated via social media that New Jersey requires a governor willing to collaborate with the president while also standing firm for the state’s fair share of federal taxes, including funding for the Gateway Tunnel project. “This is a vital infrastructure project, and I’m committed to ensuring it gets done,” he affirmed.
