Transport Secretary Warns States About Federal Funding Risks
On Tuesday, U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the potential loss of federal funding for transportation in three states—New Mexico, Washington, and California—citing noncompliance with President Trump’s executive orders. He emphasized the urgency during an event in Washington, D.C.
According to Duffy, these states have 30 days to comply to avoid losing substantial funds from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Agency. Specifically, Duffy mentioned that California stands to lose $33 million, Washington $10.5 million, and New Mexico $7 million. He reminded state officials that the executive order was signed in April and took effect in June, warning that penalties would only escalate if they fail to act.
“We’re not looking to take money away from these states,” Duffy stated, “but we’re facing a situation that will gradually become more challenging for them. We have many effective tools at our disposal that we prefer not to use.”
Duffy also linked the stringent measures to a tragic incident in Florida where a crash resulted in three fatalities. He explained that the truck drivers involved were licensed in California and Washington, and had been stopped for speeding in New Mexico before the crash occurred.
“One driver, touching all three states,” he noted, highlighting the interconnected nature of the situation. The driver in question was an immigrant from India without legal residency, and Duffy pointed to language barriers as a contributing factor, stating that the driver struggled with understanding road signs.
In light of Trump’s enforcement actions, Duffy responded to public criticism surrounding the implications of these policies. “What we are emphasizing is safety—drivers operating heavy rigs must be able to communicate effectively on the road,” he said.
California’s Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office reacted strongly, claiming the situation was ironic given that federal permits had been approved for the Florida drivers involved in the crash. Newsom remarked on social media, “This is absurd; now that they’ve been caught, the Trump administration is trying to shift the blame.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security dismissed claims about work permits being issued, attributing the tragedy in Florida to decisions made by California officials regarding commercial licenses for undocumented immigrants.
In Washington, state officials, including Governor Bob Ferguson, have expressed defiance against federal demands regarding immigration compliance. Ferguson made it clear, writing in a letter, “We will not be intimidated or coerced by threats.”
The New Mexico Department of Transport did not immediately comment on the situation when contacted.
Driver Testing Concerns
Duffy voiced concerns over how a driver could pass the required skills test without a grasp of the English language. “It’s puzzling how someone can successfully undergo testing without fully understanding road signs,” he remarked. The federal department plans to investigate whether current testing procedures are sufficient or if there are systemic issues that need addressing.
