The Trump administration just slammed the brakes on $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago’s transit projects over concerns about race- and sex-based contracting practices.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has placed two major Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) projects—the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Program—under administrative review to ensure federal dollars aren’t tied to what they call discriminatory policies, totaling a hefty $2.1 billion in paused funding.
Fox Business reported that earlier this week, USDOT rolled out an interim final rule barring such preferential contracting standards in federal grants, signaling a broader push against what many conservatives see as unfair, woke-driven policies.
On Friday, USDOT sent formal letters to the CTA, notifying them of the review and putting the projects on ice until compliance can be verified. It’s a bold step, and one that’s got progressives squirming over the interruption to their infrastructure dreams.
Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, took to X on Friday to confirm the funding hold. “$2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects... have been put on hold,” Vought stated, emphasizing the need to stop race-based contracting. Well, isn’t that a refreshing dose of accountability in a world obsessed with identity checkboxes?
The Department of Transportation didn’t mince words either, pointing out that Illinois has a track record of promoting these kinds of preferential policies. For those of us who believe in merit over mandates, this scrutiny feels long overdue, though one wonders how long Chicago commuters will be left waiting at the platform.
It’s not just Chicago feeling the heat—USDOT also sent similar letters to New York, placing high-profile projects like the 2nd Avenue Subway and Hudson Tunnel under review. The message is clear: federal money shouldn’t bankroll bias, no matter the zip code.
Back in the Windy City, the CTA has yet to respond to requests for comment as of Friday. Their silence speaks volumes—perhaps they’re scrambling to justify practices that many taxpayers find questionable at best.
USDOT insists these reviews are about protecting the integrity of federal spending, not stalling progress. They’re aiming to wrap up the analysis quickly, so reimbursements can resume for projects that pass muster. Still, one can’t help but smirk at the irony of progressive policies potentially derailing their own prized initiatives.
Adding fuel to the fire, USDOT noted that the current government shutdown—blamed on Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries—has left the department understaffed. This staffing crunch is slowing down the critical reviews needed to get funds flowing again.
Secretary Sean Duffy and his team are reportedly pushing to expedite the process, but bureaucratic gridlock isn’t helping. If Congress doesn’t resolve this shutdown soon, Chicago’s transit riders might be stuck with outdated trains and crumbling stations for longer than anyone wants.
The Department of Transportation made a pointed plea to lawmakers, urging them to stop holding the federal budget hostage. It’s a fair ask—shouldn’t infrastructure for American citizens take precedence over partisan gamesmanship?
For now, the $2.1 billion remains in limbo, representing the remaining federal share for the two CTA projects. Chicagoans relying on the Red Line and other routes deserve better than delays caused by questionable contracting rules or political standoffs.
USDOT’s stance is a reminder that federal funds come with strings attached—and those strings shouldn’t tie taxpayers to divisive policies. The American people want bridges built and trains running, not endless debates over who checks which demographic box.
While the reviews unfold, one thing is certain: this funding freeze has sparked a much-needed conversation about fairness in public projects. Let’s hope the outcome prioritizes efficiency and equality over ideology, ensuring Chicago’s transit system gets the upgrade it desperately needs—without the baggage of woke excess.
