In a stunning blow to California’s infrastructure ambitions, President Donald Trump has declared an end to federal support for the state’s high-speed rail project.
According to The Western Journal, Trump’s decision, backed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, terminates a $4 billion grant and halts further federal investment in the long-troubled initiative connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The California high-speed rail project, aimed at linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, was first greenlit by voters through a referendum in 2008. This ambitious plan promised a modern transit solution for the state’s bustling corridors.
Construction officially began in 2012, marking a significant step toward realizing the vision of swift travel between the two major cities. Over the years, however, progress has been slow and challenges have mounted. The project has already consumed $15 billion, a figure highlighted in a recent news release from Duffy’s office. Costs have spiraled far beyond initial estimates, drawing scrutiny from federal officials. The total projected expense for the rail line now stands at a staggering $135 billion. This figure has become a focal point for critics of the endeavor.
Duffy’s release pointed out that the $135 billion could fund nearly 200 round-trip flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles for every resident of those cities. This comparison underscores the scale of expenditure involved. A federal review, also cited in the release, concluded that there is no realistic chance of the rail carrying passengers by 2033. This grim assessment has fueled the decision to withdraw support.
Additionally, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), tasked with overseeing the project, has been deemed unable to fulfill its obligations under the grant agreement. This failure has further justified the federal government’s stance.
President Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the project, labeling it a wasteful disaster. “To the Law abiding, Tax paying, Hardworking Citizens of the United States of America, I am thrilled to announce that I have officially freed you from funding California’s disastrously overpriced, ‘HIGH SPEED TRAIN TO NOWHERE,’” Trump declared.
“This boondoggle, led by the incompetent Governor of California, Gavin Newscum, has cost Taxpayers Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and we have received NOTHING in return except Cost Overruns,” he added. “The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will. This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated, and NEVER DELIVERED,” Trump continued in his scathing remarks.
“Thanks to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, not a SINGLE penny in Federal Dollars will go towards this Newscum SCAM ever again. This was an ill-conceived and unnecessary project, and a total waste of Taxpayer money — But no more!” Trump concluded.
Duffy echoed Trump’s sentiments, emphasizing the mismanagement by state officials. “This is California’s fault. Governor Newsom and the complicit Democrats have enabled this waste for years. Federal dollars are not a blank check — they come with a promise to deliver results,” Duffy stated in his release. “After over a decade of failures, CHSRA’s mismanagement and incompetence has proven it cannot build its train to nowhere on time or on budget,” Duffy added.
“It’s time for this boondoggle to die. President Trump and I will always fight to ensure your tax dollars only go to projects that accomplish great, big, beautiful things,” Duffy concluded in his statement. On the other side of the debate, California Governor Gavin Newsom has fiercely defended the rail project. “Trump wants to hand China the future and abandon the Central Valley. We won’t let him,” Newsom asserted.
“With projects like the Texas high-speed rail failing to take off, we are miles ahead of others. We’re now in the track-laying phase and building America’s only high-speed rail. California is putting all options on the table to fight this illegal action,” he added.
Newsom also provided an optimistic timeline for the project’s completion, despite federal skepticism. He estimated that passengers could begin boarding trains sometime between 2030 and 2033. Currently, the project is entering the track-laying phase, according to Newsom. This development marks a tangible step forward amid the controversy. The clash between state and federal leaders highlights deeper tensions over infrastructure priorities. California’s determination to press on contrasts sharply with Washington’s resolve to cut losses.
The termination of the $4 billion grant represents a significant setback for California’s vision. It remains unclear how the state will secure alternative funding to keep the project alive. For now, the high-speed rail’s future hangs in the balance as both sides dig in. The outcome of this dispute could shape infrastructure policy for years to come. As costs continue to loom large, public opinion on the project remains divided. Taxpayers, both in California and nationwide, are left watching this high-stakes showdown unfold.