Trump Official Booed Amid Heated High-Speed Rail Announcement

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Booed at California High-Speed Rail News Conference

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy faced a hostile reception during a news conference in California regarding the state’s high-speed rail project. The event, which was intended to address the project’s challenges and announce an investigation, quickly turned chaotic as protesters voiced their opposition. The high-speed rail project has been a contentious issue for years, with critics arguing that it has been mismanaged and has failed to deliver on its promises. Secretary Duffy’s appearance at the news conference only added fuel to the fire, as he was met with boos and chants from the crowd.

Political Backlash and Trump’s Criticism of the High-Speed Rail Project

The high-speed rail project has been a target of criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the project’s cost, timeline, and management. In recent comments, Trump referred to the project as "the worst-managed project I think I’ve ever seen," and expressed skepticism about its feasibility. He also pointed out that the project, which was initially intended to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, has been significantly scaled back, with the route now being much shorter than originally planned. Trump’s criticism has been echoed by other Republican lawmakers, who have accused the project of being a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Secretary Duffy’s Turbulent Tenure and the Announcement of an Investigation

Secretary Duffy’s tenure at the Department of Transportation (DOT) has been marked by controversy, including a recent aviation disaster involving a midair collision between a military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet. During the news conference in California, Duffy announced an investigation into the high-speed rail project, which could potentially result in the clawback of $4.3 billion in federal funds. Duffy directly addressed the protesters, pointing out the project’s lack of progress despite the immense investment of time and money. "I think they were chanting ‘Build the rail’?" Duffy said. "It’s been 17 years and $16 billion, and no rail has been built. So, if you want to go protest somewhere, and if you want to shout at someone, go to the governor’s mansion. Go talk to Democrats in the legislature who have brought us this crappy project."

Protesters and Critics Speak Out Against the Project

The news conference was met with fierce backlash from protesters, who were vocal in their support for the project. Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley, who attended the event, shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing protesters chanting during his speech. Another Republican Congressman, Vince Fong, also spoke at the event, and protesters could be heard chanting in the background. Critics of the project have labeled it as an "embarrassment" to the state and a "disregard" for taxpayer dollars. California GOP Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo has even proposed a bill that would divert annual funding allocated to the high-speed rail project to other priorities, such as water infrastructure and wildfire prevention.

Response from the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Despite the criticism, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has defended the project, pointing to the progress that has been made and the economic benefits it has generated. In a statement to Newsweek, CEO Ian Choudri said, "We welcome this investigation and the opportunity to work with our federal partners. With multiple independent federal and state audits completed, every dollar is accounted for, and we stand by the progress and impact of this project." Choudri also highlighted the project’s achievements, including 171 miles under active construction, over 50 major structures completed, and the creation of 14,700 jobs.

What’s Next for the High-Speed Rail Project?

The investigation ordered by Secretary Duffy will review whether the California High-Speed Rail Authority has "met its obligations" as outlined by the DOT. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the project’s future, including the potential clawback of federal funds. While supporters of the project remain optimistic about its potential benefits, critics continue to argue that the money could be better spent on other priorities. As the investigation unfolds, the high-speed rail project remains a contentious issue, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down.