Union Pacific CEO Denies Trump Ballroom Gift Aimed to Aid Merger

Nov. 21, 2025, 6:20 PM UTC

Union Pacific Corp. CEO Jim Vena—who needs federal approval for an $85 billion deal to merge with Norfolk Southern Corp.—on Friday denied his company intended to affect the outcome by contributing to President Donald Trump‘s ballroom project.

Union Pacific plans to file an official merger application with the Surface Transportation Board in early December, according to Jim Vena. Industry groups representing commodity producers, chemical companies, and retailers have criticized the deal, which they argue could result in higher prices.

Vena denied the ballroom donation would curry favor with the president, who has praised the potential deal ...

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