Trump Pauses $2.1 Billion for Chicago Transit Projects

The Trump administration paused $2.1 billion in previously approved federal funds for Chicago transit projects on October 3, 2025, including the Red and Purple Line Modernization and several bus rapid transit corridors. The freeze was announced without a specific compliance rationale and came one day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson publicly criticized Trump administration immigration enforcement operations. The Chicago Transit Authority announced it would delay construction contracts pending legal review.