President Trump has officially canceled federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project, a move that has sparked strong reactions. The announcement came on a Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant shift in support for a project that has faced criticism for its rising costs and delays.
The California high-speed rail, which Governor Gavin Newsom has promoted, was initially estimated to cost around $33 billion. However, recent reports have indicated that this figure has ballooned to over $100 billion. This dramatic increase has raised concerns among many, including Trump, who labeled the project a "train to nowhere."
In December, just before Trump took office, California Democrats urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to expedite funding for the rail project. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with several House representatives, asked for $536 million in federal funds. They emphasized that the funding was crucial for the project’s future phases, which aim to improve safety, economic strength, and sustainability.
Despite these efforts, Trump expressed his discontent with the project on Truth Social. He criticized it as a waste of taxpayer money, claiming it had cost hundreds of billions without delivering any tangible results. He declared that the project was overpriced and poorly managed. Trump’s comments included a strong rebuke of Governor Newsom, whom he referred to as "incompetent."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy supported Trump’s decision, stating that no federal funds would be allocated to the project moving forward. This cancellation is likely to have significant implications for California’s ambitious rail plans, leaving the future of high-speed rail in the state uncertain.
As reactions unfold, the cancellation has reignited debates about infrastructure spending and the challenges of large-scale projects in California.
