Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor would see a drop in grant funding under President Donald Trump’s new proposed budget request, as the administration seeks to shift more money to the national network.
The Trump administration is proposing that Congress give about $850 million to the Northeast Corridor in fiscal 2026, a roughly 25% decrease from $1.14 billion in fiscal 2025, according to budget documents posted on Friday. Amtrak’s national network, which operates rail lines across the country, would get $1.58 billion, up from $1.29 billion the previous year.
The more detailed request comes after the Trump administration previously sent its initial skinny budget request to allow lawmakers in May. The Transportation Department’s overall funding would increase under the proposal, boosting the Federal Aviation Administration amid recent air travel woes.
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Amtrak money has become more political during appropriations negotiations in recent years, with Northeast Republicans previously opposing proposals with cuts to the Northeast Corridor. The proposal does also include supplemental funding to Amtrak from the 2021 infrastructure law.
Amtrak last year hit record ridership. Stephen Gardner, the former CEO of Amtrak, resigned this year in what he said was a move to “ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.”
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