Trump trashes California train operation between LA and San Francisco 'worst managed project'
The president on Tuesday vowed to open an investigation into the many delays, and the funds being used for the project, which has vastly gone over budget.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday trashed California's train project to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, claiming that it has been the "worst managed project that I think I've ever seen."
Voters in the Golden State voted on the construction project in 2008, but it has since faced many hurdles. Trump previously claimed in 2019 that the project was a "waste of time," according to Newsweek.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri last week told reporters that he is still committed to finishing constructing the 494-mile project, which is expected to feature trains traveling up to 220 mph, per the outlet Government Technology.
The president on Tuesday vowed to open an investigation into the many delays, and the funds being used for the project, which has vastly gone over budget.
"The train that's being built between Los Angeles and San Francisco is the worst managed project that I think I've ever seen," Trump told reporters. "It is hundreds of billions of dollars over budget ... We're going to start an investigation of that."
The Los Angeles Times estimated last March that the cost of the LA to San Francisco rail project would likely be at least $100 billion more than originally projected, and was a long way from completion.
The comments come as the rail authority prepares to enter its track-laying phase in the Spring of 2025, with one railhead beginning in Kern County.
"Initial track work is estimated to begin by Spring 2025, with installation of mainline turnouts, work that includes laying a siding track, a parallel track that allows trains to pull off the mainline and out of the way of the work," the rail authority told Newsweek. "A track and [Overhead Contact System] construction contract has not yet been awarded."
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.