Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on federal regulators to block what he describes as a “monopoly-like” railroad merger, accusing the Trump administration of siding with corporate giants at the expense of working Americans.
Speaking in New York on December 7, Schumer criticized the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, warning it could drive up freight costs, disrupt supply chains, and raise prices for consumers at the checkout aisle.
“This deal hands one company unprecedented power over America’s rails,” Schumer said. “It’s a fast-track right into the robber baron era.”
Concerns over competition and pricing
If approved, the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would be the largest rail deal in U.S. history. While the companies claim the merger would boost competition and benefit workers, Schumer argues that decades of similar mergers have led to the opposite—higher prices, worse service, and weaker safety standards.
“Past rail mergers have hurt—not helped—consumers and supply chains,” Schumer said.
Trump administration under scrutiny
Schumer also questioned President Trump’s recent firing of a Federal Reserve Board member who, according to Schumer, was expected to oppose the merger. While the White House hasn’t explained the decision, Schumer sees it as a move to eliminate opposition to the deal.
“Rubber-stamping this merger proves he is not on the side of working Americans,” Schumer added.
A political flashpoint as Trump hits the road
The criticism comes just as Trump kicks off his nationwide “affordability tour,” promoting his administration’s efforts to lower costs for American families. Schumer said the tour is misleading, accusing Trump of driving up prices by siding with corporate interests like the rail industry.
“President Trump is sabotaging the American people by bowing to big corporations and raising—not lowering—the cost of living,” Schumer said.
Calls for federal action
Schumer urged the Federal Surface Transportation Board to dig deeper into the merger and block it outright. He said the deal poses serious threats to competition, safety, and affordability.
“This is a simple test for Trump: side with railroad oligarchs or side with workers and families,” Schumer said.
The merger is still under review and has not yet been approved by federal regulators.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].