A federal judge in New York has reversed Donald Trump’s freeze on $16 billion in funds for the Gateway Project. This project aims to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River from Manhattan to New Jersey and repair an old tunnel damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The tunnel is crucial for over 200,000 daily travelers. US District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled the freeze arbitrary and against legal rules. The freeze was put in place by the Trump administration, halting construction and risking damage to state economies. New York and New Jersey sued in early January, calling the freeze a “brazen act of political retribution” because their leaders are Democrats. The states warned a work stoppage would increase costs and hurt a vital transport link. Trump reportedly demanded that the Washington Dulles airport and New York’s Penn Station be renamed after him before releasing funds. He denied suggesting renaming Dulles or Penn Station. Senate leader Chuck Schumer, representing New York, denied Trump’s claim of his involvement. The US Department of Transportation froze funds in September, citing concerns over race and sex-based policies in contracts. The Gateway Development Commission said it made changes to comply but heard nothing back. The freeze stopped work and endangered passengers who rely on old rail infrastructure. The project supports around 1,000 construction jobs. New Jersey’s acting attorney general, Jennifer Davenport, said, “The Trump administration must drop this campaign of political retribution immediately.” New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, echoed the praise for the judge’s order. Senators Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Trump, saying he is putting personal gains over jobs and safety. The ruling allows work on the Gateway Project to continue, crucial for one of the nation’s busiest travel corridors.