National

Trump Wades Into New York Train Strike Battle

By Peter Aitken Newsweek
Midnight Strike Deadline Looms For LIRR Commuter Rail. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Commuters wait in a waiting area as a sign warns of a possible strike on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Penn Station on May 15, 2026 in New York City. Commuters face major disruption as unions representing more than 3,500 workers prepare to strike from May 16, threatening to shut down the Long Island Rail Road America's busiest passenger rail service unless transit officials and labor leaders reach a last-minute contract agreement. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Midnight Strike Deadline Looms For LIRR Commuter Rail. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Commuters wait in a waiting area as a sign warns of a possible strike on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Penn Station on May 15, 2026 in New York City. Commuters face major disruption as unions representing more than 3,500 workers prepare to strike from May 16, threatening to shut down the Long Island Rail Road America's busiest passenger rail service unless transit officials and labor leaders reach a last-minute contract agreement. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) Adam Gray Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Saturday hit out at New York Governor Kathy Hochul over the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) strike that commenced after midnight on Saturday due to unions and state negotiators failing to reach a new deal.

While the LIRR is run through the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the organization responsible for managing New York City’s travel system, the MTA itself is run by the state. The LIRR serves nearly 300,000 passengers daily, and the strikes occur ahead of both Memorial Day weekend and the World Cup, which is set to start in early June.

In her statement posted on Saturday, Hochul wrote the strike was a “direct result of reckless actions by the Trump Administration to cut mediation short and push these negotiations toward a strike.”

Trump responded on Truth Social, instead claiming that he had “NOTHING TO DO WITH IT” and had not heard about the strike “until this morning.”

“No, Kathy, it's your fault, and now looking over the facts, you should not have allowed this to happen. If you can't solve it, let me know, and I'll show you how to properly get things done,” the president wrote.

Trump used the moment to stump for his preferred candidate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who will face off with Hochul this year in the gubernatorial election.

“He should be your next Governor and New York State would turn around fast, including far less Crime, and much lower taxes!!! Kathy, call me if you can't do it, I will get it done – I know all the players, great people!!!” Trump added.

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Department of Transportation by email on Saturday for comment.

Commuters wait in a waiting area as a sign warns of a possible strike on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Penn Station on May 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Commuters wait in a waiting area as a sign warns of a possible strike on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Penn Station on May 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) Adam Gray Getty Images

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 12:33 PM.

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