Trump Administration Makes Progress on Infrastructure While Facing International Criticism and Domestic Disapproval

The Trump administration has taken a significant step forward in its infrastructure agenda, releasing federal funds for the Gateway rail tunnel project that will connect New York City and New Jersey. The project, which has been in limbo for years, will increase the number of rail tunnels linking the two states and repair a century-old tunnel damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The tunnel is used by over 200,000 travelers and 425 trains daily.

According to reports, the Trump administration transferred the balance of federal funds it owed to the Gateway initiative on Wednesday, along with additional money beyond the original amount. This move clears the path for work on the project to restart as early as next week.

While the administration is making progress on infrastructure, it is facing criticism from European allies over its new Board of Peace. Dozens of world leaders and national delegations will meet in Washington DC for the inaugural meeting of the Board, but major European allies have declined to join the group, citing concerns over its murky funding and political mandate. The White House has indicated that the summit will largely function as a fundraiser, with Trump announcing on social media that countries have pledged over $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza.

The Board of Peace has been met with skepticism by many, who question its purpose and legitimacy. Critics argue that the organization's funding and mandate are unclear, and that it may be more of a publicity stunt than a genuine effort to promote peace.

Despite the criticism, Trump remains optimistic about the Board's potential. In a social media post, he announced that the summit would be a major success and that countries had pledged significant funds to support the rebuilding of Gaza.

However, Trump's domestic approval ratings remain a concern for the administration. A recent survey found that Trump's disapproval rating indicates he is less popular with Americans than some insects, such as ants. While the survey may not be a definitive measure of public opinion, it highlights the challenges the administration faces in winning over voters ahead of the midterm elections.

The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that butterflies are America's favorite insect, with eight in 10 people having a "very or somewhat positive" reaction to them. In contrast, Trump's approval rating has been hovering around 40% in recent months, according to various polls.

While the administration is facing challenges on multiple fronts, it remains committed to its agenda. The release of funds for the Gateway project is a significant step forward for the administration's infrastructure plans, and the Board of Peace may yet prove to be a successful initiative. However, the administration will need to address its low approval ratings and criticism from European allies if it hopes to achieve its goals.

Sources:
* The Guardian: "Trump administration releases funds for New York-New Jersey tunnel project"
* The Guardian: "Major European allies decline to join first meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace"
* The Guardian: "Good news for Trump before midterms: he’s still more popular than cockroaches"