Transportation Secretary Duffy freezes $20 billion in transit grants

On Jan. 29, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued two memos directing elimination of all DOT policies related to climate change, racial equity, or environmental justice by Feb. 18, 2025.

Transportation for America calculates Duffy's directives put over $20 billion in ongoing transit and rail projects at risk of cancellation nationwide.

The administration suspended $7.5 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act electric vehicle charging programs: $5 billion for NEVI and $2.5 billion for CFI discretionary grants.

Trump's FY 2026 budget increases highway funding by $770 million for INFRA freight and highway grants while targeting transit programs for cuts.

Duffy's memo prohibits any state or local government receiving DOT funds from imposing vaccine or mask mandates and requires cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro announced in Nov. 2025 that the agency removed the social cost of carbon from Capital Investment Grants rating criteria, calling it a green new deal carbon scam.

A federal judge ruled in Jan. 2026 that the Trump administration unlawfully suspended the EV charger infrastructure program, finding the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act never contemplated even temporary pauses.

SEPTA will slash nearly 50% of service starting Aug. 2025, eliminating dozens of routes. Portland's Tri-Met cut eight bus lines by Nov. 2025.

Rural transit systems depend on federal funding for 45% of operations costs and 70% of capital expenditures. Community Connection of Northeast Oregon laid off two staff members due to funding uncertainty.