US EditionDuffy threatens to pull California’s high speed rail funding
- On June 4, 2025, the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation warned that California’s high-speed rail project risks losing $4 billion in federal funding due to ongoing delays and budgetary challenges.
- The threat follows a Federal Railroad Administration report finding the California High-Speed Rail Authority in default of federal grant terms, citing delays, cost overruns, and overstated ridership projections.
- Initially planned in 2008 as an extensive 800-mile system linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, the project has since been scaled back to focus solely on a 119-mile segment in the Central Valley, with estimated costs now ranging from $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion.
- Secretary Duffy emphasized that the CHSRA faces significant challenges in finishing the project within the established schedule and budget, and cautioned that funding might be redirected to other initiatives that align with President Trump's infrastructure goals.
- The potential federal funding cut threatens the project's continuation, although California officials emphasize ongoing commitment and state funding to complete the segment despite significant financial and timing challenges.
134 Articles
134 Articles
Trump’s plan to cancel high-speed rail funding fuels stronger Democratic push for California project
President Donald Trump’s effort to cancel $4 billion in federal grants for California’s high-speed rail project is galvanizing Democrats and labor unions to secure long-term funding and keep construction on track.Alex Nieves reports for POLITICO.In short:The Trump administration is moving to revoke federal grants issued during the Biden era for California’s high-speed rail, citing unreliable funding from the state’s emissions trading program as …
Daily Breeze
‘No viable path’ to completion: Trump administration plans to end funding to California high-speed rail project
State officials defended the project and said they remain committed to construction, though it’s not clear what funding would replace federal support if it’s withdrawn.
Trump administration signals it will cut off funds for California high-speed rail line that has become 'a 119-mile track to nowhere'
Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach who is vice chair of the Transportation Committee, said that “commonsense has prevailed".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
