Trump administration plans to redirect $2.4 billion pulled from California’s high-speed rail

The Trump administration announced Monday that it wants to redistribute $2.4 billion originally stripped from California’s high-speed rail project as part of a new $5 billion program aimed at expanding passenger rail nationwide.

The new initiative, called the National Railroad Partnership Program, will prioritize projects that improve railroad crossing safety, benefit regions with higher birth and marriage rates, and enhance passenger amenities. Unlike programs under the Biden administration, the rules remove requirements tied to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California’s long-delayed San Francisco-to-Los Angeles rail project, calling it a “boondoggle.”

“Our new National Railroad Partnership Program will emphasize safety – our number one priority – without the radical DEI and green grant requirements,” Duffy said. “Instead of wasting dollars on Governor Newsom’s high-speed rail boondoggle, these targeted investments will improve the lives of rail passengers, local drivers, and pedestrians.”

The largest share of funding comes from the $4 billion pulled from California, with the rest from prior allocations and the current budget.

California pushes back

California officials vowed to fight the move, saying the money should remain with their project. They previously sued over the administration’s decision to revoke federal support.

“The FRA’s decision to terminate federal funding for California high-speed rail was unlawful, unwarranted, and is being challenged in federal court,” said Micah Flores, spokesman for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. “Their attempt to redirect a portion of that funding, currently the subject of litigation, is premature.”

Program priorities

Safety at crossings: More than 200 deaths a year occur when trains collide with cars or pedestrians. Building bridges or underpasses to bypass tracks is costly, but a top focus.
Family-friendly upgrades: Projects may include nursing mothers’ rooms, expanded waiting areas, and children’s play areas in train stations.
Freight rail tie-in: Since Amtrak relies heavily on freight rail lines for its long-distance routes, some funds will also support improvements on those tracks.

The Federal Railroad Administration said the program reflects President Trump’s orders to prioritize spending that benefits American families.

Applications for funding are due by January 7.