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Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., introduced legislation Thursday that would require the Washington, D.C., Metrorail system to be renamed after President Donald Trump and his signature slogan to continue receiving federal funding.
The bill, titled the Make Autorail Great Again Act, would condition federal funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) on rebranding the agency as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access, or WMAGA, an acronym that mirrors Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. It would also rename the Metrorail system the “Trump Train.”
“WMATA has received billions in federal assistance over the years and continues to face operational, safety, and fiscal challenges,” said Rep. Steube. “In the spirit of DOGE, this bill demands accountability by conditioning federal funding on reforms that signal a cultural shift away from bureaucratic stagnation toward public-facing excellence and patriotism.”
Rebranding WMATA as WMAGA and the rail system as the Trump Train represents more than a name change; it is a mandate for performance and transformation. “Like any struggling institution, WMATA needs a fresh identity that aligns with efficiency, service quality, and renewed public trust. These new names serve as a bold rallying point for much-needed reform,” Steube added.
“With Washington, D.C. preparing to host major global events such as the 2027 NFL Draft and multiple FIFA Club World Cup matches, our capital’s transit system must meet the highest standards,” Steube emphasized. “The American people expect modern, reliable, and well-managed public services in their nation’s capital. This bill leverages federal funding to ensure the transit system earns the right to represent the nation on the world stage.”
The release argues that WMATA needs a fresh identity to restore public trust and improve efficiency, particularly as the District prepares for major events, such as the 2027 NFL Draft.
WMATA receives approximately $150 million annually in federal assistance through formula matching programs. According to the agency’s 2024 report, it also received $154.5 million from Virginia, $167 million from Maryland and $178.5 million from the District of Columbia.
Steube’s bill is one of several recent proposals by House Republicans aimed at honoring Trump. Rep. Addison McDowell, R-N.C., introduced legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after the former president. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., proposed printing $250 bills bearing Trump’s portrait.
