WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak in the latest example of the federal government exerting its power over the nation’s capital.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the takeover Wednesday alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris at Washington’s main transportation hub during the launch of an updated version of the rail service’s Acela train.

Union Station, in walking distance from the Capitol, has “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the District of Columbia, Duffy said. He said the Republican administration’s move would help beautify the landmark in an economical way and was in line with Trump’s vision.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy said.

It’s Trump’s latest attempt to put the city under his control. In recent weeks, Trump has increased the number of federal law enforcement and immigration agents on city streets while also taking over the Metropolitan Police Department and activating thousands of National Guard members. Last week, Trump said he wants $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington.

    • guldukat@lemmy.world
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      2 hours ago

      This is what the American people voted for my friend, tyranny, oppression, oligarchy and dictatorship. Strong support in the house, Senate, and supreme court. This is real, and happening now, and will get worse. I’m not bitching at anyone for non-action, but we are at 1939 levels of fascism

    • tal@lemmy.today
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      23 hours ago

      You want them to have much ability to do anything, you need them to have at least one of the Presidency, a majority in the Senate, or a majority in the House. You don’t get political power simply by being a party, but by controlling political institutions.

      Worth keeping in mind when the midterm elections are happening next year.

      • Randomgal@lemmy.ca
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        5 hours ago

        Oh, okay. Easy. Why are we even worried then? Just wait for elections. Lol

      • CaliforniaSober@lemmy.ca
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        9 hours ago

        But but Joe single-handedly started GeNoCiDe! wHy Do YoU sUpPoRt GeNoCiDe???

        (All while whining about political impotence after allowing a republican victory enabling genocide…)