California sued the Trump administration after the U.S. Department of Transportation moved to withhold more than $33 million, alleging the state failed to meet English-proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers. The complaint names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FMCSA and challenges an October decision that terminated grants supporting California’s vehicle safety programs. The state says its standards comply with federal requirements and is asking the court to restore the funding.
California Sues Trump Administration Over Withheld $33M in Transportation Grants
U.S. President Donald Trump points on the day he signs a bill to award congressional gold medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team, who went on to win gold after defeating a heavily-favored Soviet Union team in their "Miracle on Ice" medal-round match, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. December 12, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Washington — California on Friday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after federal officials moved to withhold more than $33 million in federal grants, saying the U.S. Department of Transportation concluded the state failed to meet English-language proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers.
The complaint names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and challenges the October decision to terminate funding for California’s commercial vehicle safety programs. California is asking the court to restore the grants and to overturn the agency’s termination.
State’s Position
California argues that its English-language standards for commercial drivers align with federal requirements and disputes the FMCSA finding that the state’s rules fall short. The state says the withheld funds are critical to commercial vehicle safety inspections and enforcement programs that help reduce crashes and keep highways safe.
Federal Action and Background
The Trump administration has recently taken a series of actions aimed at addressing concerns about foreign drivers who do not speak English. In August, Senator Marco Rubio said the United States would immediately pause issuance of certain worker visas for commercial truck drivers, a move intended to address safety and communication concerns cited by federal officials.
What the state seeks: Restoration of the terminated grants and a court order overturning the FMCSA’s decision to withhold the funds.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington. Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by William Mallard.
