BREAKING: Trump admin CANCELS an additional $175M for Newsom’s failed high-speed rail project
It’s billions of dollars over budget, had a completion date of 2020, not a single high speed track has been laid, and it transported 0 passengers.
Pure incompetence from Newscum and FAILED promises.
What’s Going On?
1. Fresh $175 Million Cut from High-Speed Rail
On August 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, announced it would cancel $175 million in federal funding for key parts of California’s high-speed rail project. The cuts target infrastructure elements like grade separations, overcrossings, design work, and the Madera station.ReutersThe GuardianSan Francisco Chronicle
This follows a $4 billion cancellation earlier this summer, marking yet another blow to the long-delayed and over-budget rail initiative.ReutersThe Guardian
2. Reason and Political Fallout
The Trump administration cites legal, regulatory, and contractual issues—claiming the project failed to meet deadlines and isn’t viable. Critics say the move is politically motivated, given the ongoing feud between President Trump and Governor Newsom.ReutersThe Guardian
Transportation Secretary Duffy has labeled the project a “fantasy” and a “boondoggle,” emphasizing the need to redirect resources toward better-managed infrastructure.San Francisco Chronicle
3. Project Status and Impact
The high-speed rail project began in 2008 with a $10 billion voter-approved bond, aiming to link Los Angeles and San Francisco in under three hours.ReutersThe Guardian
Despite building over 50 major structures and 70 miles of guideway, the project remains non-operational and hampered by delays and rising costs (now estimated between $89 billion and $128 billion).ReutersThe GuardianAP News
The earliest expected start of service runs only in the Central Valley, with the full line not expected before 2032–2033.AP NewsPolitico
4. Reactions and Pushback
California has sued the federal government, calling the funding cuts illegal and politically motivated.ReutersThe Guardian
Advocates argue these infrastructure elements are critical for safety and progression and blame the cuts on political retribution rather than facts.
Summary Table
Element
Summary
Funding Cuts
$175 million withdrawn (this month), plus $4 billion previously canceled
Justification
Alleged contractual, regulatory, and deadline failures
Political Context
Part of broader showdown between Trump administration and Gov. Newsom
Project Status
Construction underway in Central Valley; full service delayed to 2032–33
State Response
California sues, calls action illegal; defense of project’s progress
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