President Trump has canceled $4 billion in federal funding for California’s long-delayed high-speed rail initiative connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy denounced the project as a costly “boondoggle,” asserting that federal funds aren’t a “blank check” after more than a decade with zero track miles laid.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority maintains it has completed over 50 structures and secured land and environmental approvals. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the decision as illegal and pledged to pursue all legal avenues to restore funding.
Originally approved in 2008 with a $33 billion price tag, the project’s costs have since ballooned to over $128 billion. Federal officials cited missed deadlines, insufficient ridership projections, and a $7 billion funding gap when they pulled the funds.
Supporters argue the Central Valley section remains on track for completion by 2033, while critics see the move as part of an escalating feud between the White House and California over infrastructure priorities.