Published on: Sat, 07 Feb 2026 02:18:17 GMTOriginal Story: U.S. Judge Says Trump Cannot Halt Funding for Gateway Tunnel Project – The New York Times The Art of the (Failed) Infrastructure Deal Oh, look, another day, another judge having to explain to the former and future Tangerine Dream that the U.S. Constitution isn’t just a suggestion written on a cocktail napkin at Mar-a-Lago. This time, the drama centers on the Gateway Tunnel project—you know, that vital piece of infrastructure that keeps the entire Northeast Corridor from collapsing into the Hudson River. Apparently, Donald’s plan to unilaterally choke off funding for the project has been met with a legal “not so fast,” which is legalese for “shut up and pay for the tunnel.” The Gateway Project has been a thorn in Trump’s side since he first realized that New York and New Jersey aren’t exactly MAGA country. In his petulant mind, why fix a crumbling rail link that services millions of commuters when you could spend that money on a vanity wall that falls over in a stiff breeze? It’s the ultimate petty move: trying to sabotage the economic engine of the country just because the governors of those states didn’t say enough nice things about him on Newsmax. It’s less “Infrastructure Week” and more “Spite Week,” which, let’s be honest, has been the recurring theme of his entire political existence. But here’s the kicker: the judge basically pointed out that the executive branch doesn’t actually have the power to just ignore Congress when it decides to spend money on things that actually matter. It’s called “appropriations,” a big word that Trump usually ignores in favor of “ratings” or “indictments.” The ruling makes it clear that once the check is written and the project is greenlit, the President can’t just snatch the wallet and run because he’s in a bad mood or his Diet Coke was warm. It’s a concept most toddlers learn by age three, but for a guy who thinks he’s a King-in-waiting, it’s a devastating blow to his fragile ego. Of course, we can expect the usual screeching about the “Deep State” and “activist judges” who are clearly in the pocket of Big Commuter Rail. Because nothing says “radical left-wing agenda” like wanting to make sure trains don’t derail into a watery grave. It’s almost touching how much Trump hates the idea of things actually working. If he can’t put his name on it in giant gold letters, he’d rather see it rot. Fortunately for everyone who enjoys living in a functional society, the law still occasionally insists on reality. For now, the tunnel lives on, much to the chagrin of the man who’d rather build a moat filled with alligators than a bridge to the future. Enjoy the commute, Donald; the law says you’re paying for the ride. Related Coverage from Other News Outlets: Trump administration seeks to expedite removal of 5-year-old Minnesota boy (via The Hill) WATCH: Trump says he ‘probably should make it’ to heaven in wide-ranging remarks at National Prayer Breakfast (via PBS) Fake Post About Racist Video Looked to Be Trump’s on Truth Social (via The New York Times) Post navigation Don’t Worry, He’ll Count the Votes Himself