California sues Trump‑era over cut high‑speed rail funds.
California to Sue Trump Administration Over High‑Speed Rail Funding Cuts
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that the state will file a lawsuit against the federal government for cancelling billions of dollars in grants that were earmarked for building a long‑delayed high‑speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Political Backdrop
- The decision to halt funding was described by Newsom as a “political stunt” and a “political punishment” aimed at the state.
- California has already pursued several legal challenges against actions taken by the Trump administration.
- The state estimates that the project would create about 15,000 jobs once it is completed.
High‑Speed Rail Vision
The dream of a train that could link Los Angeles with San Francisco—a distance of roughly 380 miles (610 kilometers)—in just two hours and 40 minutes has been under construction for more than 15 years.
Project milestones have been repeatedly delayed and budgets have been exceeded since the initiative was launched in 2008.
Funding History
- During his first term, President Trump had already cancelled federal grants for the rail line, but the move was suspended after California filed a lawsuit.
- When President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, the federal funds were restored.
- Trump’s administration threatened to withdraw $4 billion in 2023 after a report by the Federal Railroad Administration concluded that the initial section of the line would not meet the 2033 deadline.
Impact on the Project
Even if California’s legal challenge is successful once again, the withdrawal of federal funding is a serious blow to the project, making new delays almost inevitable.
United States Context
Unlike many European and Asian countries, the United States has one of the least developed passenger rail sectors. High‑speed rail is virtually non‑existent in the country.
The first fully high‑speed rail line, planned to run about 220 miles between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, is expected to be completed by 2028, in time for the Olympic Games.
