NEW YORK (PIX11) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani chuckled at the idea of naming New York’s iconic Penn Station after President Donald Trump.

During Mamdani’s celebration of over $100 million delivered to New York City deliveristas on Wednesday, a reporter asked the mayor about his thoughts on speculation that the Trump administration wants to rename Penn Station in the President’s honor.


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“I am more interested in what the station would be able to deliver to New Yorkers than what we call [Penn Station],” Mamdani said after laughing off the possibility.

While it is not confirmed that U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy intends to name the iconic transit station after Trump, he has said it “has a nice ring to it” in the past.

Earlier this year, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded, “Why not?” when asked herself.

Mamdani is supportive of the roughly $8 billion redesign of Penn Station as long as it makes the lives of the city’s inhabitants better.


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“We speak about our city as a world-class city. We know that in order to earn that description, we have to be able to provide world-class service at every single juncture,” Mamdani said.

“There is still much to be done when it comes to ensuring that’s the case when New Yorkers experience Penn Station.”

The renderings of Penn Station feature a rectangular stone facade lined with imposing columns along a grand entryway. Inside, a sunlight-drenched concourse boasts soaring ceilings more than 50 feet (15 meters) high in places. There are bronze finishes and other ornamental details, like a bas-relief of the city’s famous skyline and a large station clock.

Inside one entryway, an inside wall bears the seal and name of President Donald Trump, who had Amtrak assume control of the project last year after decades of political infighting among transit agencies and opposition to moving MSG from billionaire owner James Dolan.

The project is expected to begin in 2027.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.