Fact Check: "Rep. Steube proposes renaming Metro to 'Trump Train' in shocking bill."
What We Know
On May 29, 2025, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Make Autorail Great Again Act, which aims to block all federal funding to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unless it changes its name to the "Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access" (WMAGA) and renames the Metrorail to the "Trump Train" (source-1, source-2). The bill reflects Steube's assertion that WMATA has received substantial federal assistance while facing operational and fiscal challenges. He argues that the proposed name changes would symbolize a shift toward accountability and efficiency in public services (source-3).
The legislation stipulates that WMATA would forfeit approximately $150 million in annual federal funding until these name changes are enacted (source-1, source-5). Steube's comments emphasize that the bill is intended to encourage a cultural shift within WMATA, aligning it with what he describes as "public-facing excellence and patriotism" (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Rep. Steube proposed renaming the Metro to "Trump Train" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The introduction of the Make Autorail Great Again Act is documented in press releases and news articles, confirming the specifics of the proposed legislation (source-1, source-3).
Steube's motivations for the bill, which include a desire for accountability and performance improvement within WMATA, are also reported consistently across sources. However, it is important to note that while the bill has been introduced, it is unlikely to pass through Congress, reflecting a broader trend of using public infrastructure naming as a political statement rather than a feasible legislative goal (source-2, source-6).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including official press releases from Steube's office and established news organizations like Newsweek and The Hill. These sources provide a reliable account of the proposed legislation and its implications.
Conclusion
The claim that Rep. Steube proposed renaming the Metro to "Trump Train" is True. The introduction of the Make Autorail Great Again Act explicitly outlines this proposal, and the details have been corroborated by multiple credible sources. While the bill's likelihood of passing is low, the proposal itself is factual and documented.
Sources
- Rep. Steube Introduces Make Autorail Great Again Act to Rebrand DC ...
- Republican Greg Steube introduces bill to rename DC Metro the 'Trump ...
- Republican Floats Bill to Rename DC Metro the 'Trump Train'
- Gmail
- Steube files bill to rename D.C. subway system the 'Trump Train'
- Steube trolls D.C. with bill to rename Metro system the 'Trump Train'
- google mail
- GOP Rep. introduces bill to rename D.C. Metro 'Trump Train'