Washington just slammed the brakes on California’s refusal to enforce basic safety rules for truck drivers.
Breitbart reported that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that the Trump administration is withholding a hefty $40 million in funding from the Golden State for ignoring federal English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, a move tied to tragic safety failures on America’s highways.
California, under Democrat control, stands alone as the only state refusing to ensure truckers can read road signs or communicate with law enforcement, according to Duffy.
This isn’t just bureaucratic nitpicking—it’s a glaring gap in public safety. And the consequences? They’re heartbreaking.
Many foreign drivers, some entering the U.S. through Canadian or Mexican borders on visitor visas, have been operating trucks without proper authorization across multiple states. California’s lax policies on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) have only fueled the problem.
Enter Harjinder Singh, an unauthorized migrant who crossed the southern border in 2018. Washington State granted him a full-term CDL in mid-2023, and California followed with a limited-term license in mid-2024.
How does someone with no legal status end up behind the wheel of a 40-ton rig? Fast forward to a devastating crash in Florida, where Singh is accused of causing the deaths of three Americans.
Video evidence captures the horrific moment: Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn, leading to a black minivan smashing into his trailer, leaving carnage in its wake. This wasn’t just an accident—it’s a symptom of a broken system.
After the crash, it became clear Singh couldn’t pass an English proficiency test and struggled to identify basic highway signs. If language rules had been enforced, could this tragedy have been avoided? The question hangs heavy over state policies.
“If states had followed the rules, this driver would never have been behind the wheel and three precious lives would still be with us,” Duffy declared on social media.
He’s not mincing words, and frankly, it’s hard to argue with the logic. When states play fast and loose with safety, families pay the ultimate price.
“This crash was a preventable tragedy directly caused by reckless decisions and compounded by despicable failures,” Duffy continued.
His point cuts deep: non-enforcement and questionable immigration policies have turned trucking into a dangerous free-for-all. It’s not about politics—it’s about protecting the folks sharing the road.
Duffy’s decision to withhold $40 million is a wake-up call, not a petty jab. California’s defiance of federal guidelines isn’t just a middle finger to Washington—it’s a gamble with American lives. Will this financial hit finally force some accountability?
The broader issue looms large: deaths tied to foreign drivers obtaining licenses through lax standards or even bribery aren’t isolated incidents. States turning a blind eye have created a patchwork of peril on our highways. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about fixing a deadly flaw.
American Truckers, a vocal group in the industry, isn’t holding back either. “America’s supply chain is not for sale!” they posted on social media, decrying the replacement of U.S. drivers with unauthorized workers. Their frustration echoes a growing concern about national security and economic fairness.
California’s stance isn’t just a policy disagreement—it’s a stubborn refusal to prioritize safety over progressive ideals. While empathy for newcomers is noble, it can’t come at the expense of basic standards. Isn’t it time for common sense to steer this debate?
The fallout from this funding cut will likely spark heated arguments in Sacramento and beyond. But let’s not lose sight of the real issue: three lives lost in Florida, countless others at risk, and a system begging for reform. If this isn’t a call to action, what is?