Trump Withholds $2.1 Billion from Chicago Infrastructure Project Funding

President Donald Trump’s administration has paused $2.1 billion of funding for Chicago infrastructure projects as part of what was, as of Oct. 17, a $28 billion worth initiative, towards funding cancellations across America’s Democrat-led cities.

This makes Chicago the second major city to have transportation funding withheld, after New York City.

San Francisco, Boston and Baltimore are also currently facing similar cuts.

White House Budget Director Russ Vought posted on X the funding for the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization project has been put on hold to stop “race-based contracting”, with the administration believing contractors are being accepted for certain jobs due only to their race or gender as opposed to qualifications.

The interim final rule (IFR) — a rule issued by federal agencies which becomes effective through publication and without the need of public comment – was published after review of the “unconstitutional practices” in Chicago.

The IFR referred to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) contracting, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said in an Oct. 3 statement.

The alleged discriminatory, illegal and wasteful contracting practices are the reason why an IFR was initiated, according to the DOT.

“The American people don’t care what race or gender construction workers, pipefitters or electricians are,” the DOT wrote. “They just want these massive projects finally built quickly and efficiently.”

The DOT didn’t respond to The Phoenix’s request for further comment.

In regards to the recent government shutdown, the statement also accused Democrats in Congress of holding the federal government’s budget hostage.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he condemns the Trump administration’s actions, urging the administration to revoke the cuts, according to an Oct. 3 press release.

“South Siders have waited for more than 50 years for the Red Line Extension,” Johnson said. “This project will bring 25,000 jobs to the Chicago area and billions in new development. From public safety to public education to public transit, this president is cutting the services that working people rely upon.”

The Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project have both proven effective in various aspects such as employment increase, fully-accessible stations and predicted economic development, according to the CTA.

“Chicagoans have waited far too long to turn back now,” Johnson said. “We will fight to ensure that the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project move forward.”

There are numerous concerns regarding the budget cuts city officials will need to be aware of, according to Ward Director Shenicka Hohenkirk (49th).

“My biggest concern with a lot of this is which direction is going to be the most conducive for constituents,” Hohenkirk said. “The CTA will either raise prices of the fares or enforce curfews on transportation.”

Hohenkirk said the Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s (49th) job is to work with her constituents and communicate with the CTA officials to express concerns and needs of Chicago citizens.

Hohenkirk said the funding cuts will heavily impact Chicago’s transportation system and will play a role in the action the CTA and lawmakers are able to take.

“It’s all going to fall down to where the budget lies,” Hohenkirk said.

Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th)  echoed concerns about the funding freezes in an email to The Phoenix. 

Hoppenworth, Hadden and other city council members who are part of the Progressive Caucus have been meeting monthly since April with the city’s budget director to further understand how the federal budget will impact local municipalities. 

“The 48th Ward is a diverse ward including those with housing, employment and health insecurities,” said Hoppenworth. “We reject budget ideas that weaken our social safety net and cuts to essential city services.”

Third-year statistics major Liam Gough said he utilizes Loyola’s shuttle to travel from Lakeshore to Water Tower Campus, but relies on the Red Line to get downtown. 

“It wouldn’t necessarily impact the commute to school, but it would probably make it harder to go to other places,” Gough said. “The latest I’ve been on the CTA was until about 4:20 a.m. A curfew would make it a lot harder to get back.”

Fourth-year economics major Tyler TenEck said he relies on the CTA almost everyday to commute to campus. He views the Trump Administration’s claim about “race-based contracting” as another way for them to target the city and its minorities.

“The redline expansion gives more people access to the center of Chicago, which is what drives opportunity here,” TenEck said. “Chicago is already such a segregated city, and I think the Trump Administration is using that as a lever for their political motivations.”

Trump’s efforts against the city of Chicago encourages collaboration between all three levels of government, involving city, state and federal officials within the process of policy making, Hohenkirk said.

Hohenkirk said she feels it’s important for Chicago to enact policies that help its citizens and use its voice to spark change. 

“Chicagoans are fighting back and standing up for what is right,” Hohenkirk said.