US President Donald Trump recently announced the halting of $4 billion in federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project. He referred to it as a “Newscum SCAM,” a derogatory term for Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Furthermore, Trump labeled the project as “ill-conceived and unnecessary,” claiming it to be a waste of taxpayer funds.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed this sentiment, calling the initiative a “high-speed rail boondoggle” and an exhibit of government incompetence and potential corruption.
However, California officials have vehemently criticized the decision, asserting it is unlawful. Governor Newsom and the California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO, Ian Choudri, have vowed to fight against it, asserting that canceling the grants without cause is not only wrong but also against the law.
According to the authority, the project is on the verge of the track-laying phase, with 171 miles already under construction, 15,500 jobs created, and over 50 major structures completed.
The California High-Speed Rail System is a planned 800-mile network designed for speeds of up to 220 miles per hour. Its first phase aims to link San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim, with plans to extend this service to Sacramento and San Diego in the second phase. The project, launched in 2008, has been marred by delays and budget overruns, with the cost increasing from the initial $33 billion to $128 billion.
Trump had previously canceled federal funding during his first term, though this decision was temporarily halted due to a legal challenge from California. In 2020, newly elected President Joe Biden reinstated partial funding. However, another legal challenge from Trump could severely hinder the project’s progress and potentially lead to further delays.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-trump-revokes-funds-for-california-s-high-speed-rail/a-73305545?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
