President Trump Proposes 15% Government Stake in Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Amid Regulatory Review
President Trump has suggested that the federal government acquire a 15% stake in the proposed $71.5 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. This proposal comes as the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has paused the merger for further review. The merger, which would create the largest railroad on the continent, has faced opposition due to concerns over potential monopoly power and higher consumer prices. The STB's review is focused on public interest, as the freight railroad industry is exempt from Federal Trade Commission antitrust reviews. The White House and involved companies have not commented on the potential government stake. 
