LOS ANGELES, California: The Trump administration is once again challenging California's high-speed rail project, with federal transportation officials this week announcing a new investigation and probably taking back around US$4 billion in federal funding.

Voters first approved $10 billion in bonds for the rail project in 2008. The goal was to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles with a train ride of under three hours. Initially estimated to cost $33 billion and finish by 2020, the project has faced delays, rising costs, and funding problems.

Now, the focus is on a 171-mile stretch between Bakersfield and Merced in the Central Valley, which is expected to be running by 2033. Completing the entire route could now cost $106 billion and may take up to 20 more years if funding is available.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said officials would review whether the California High-Speed Rail Authority kept its funding promises. If not, the funds could be redirected to other infrastructure projects across the country.

In 2019, President Trump canceled nearly $1 billion in funding. The Biden administration later restored the funds and added $3.3 billion more in December 2023. Losing federal money now would be a major setback since the project relies on up to $8 billion in federal support to close its funding gap.

California Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley criticized the project, calling it "the worst public infrastructure failure in U.S. history." He introduced a bill to stop any more federal money from going to the project.

Despite these attacks, Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, welcomed the investigation. He said all funds are appropriately accounted for and highlighted the creation of nearly 15,000 jobs and the completion of over 50 significant structures.

At the announcement in Los Angeles, protesters interrupted officials, chanting, "Build the rail!" Many Californians still support the project, according to Eli Lipmen from Move LA, who called the investigation a "sham."

Leaders from the Transportation Trades Department, representing U.S. rail unions, defended the project as the country's most ambitious transportation effort. They urged Trump to back high-speed rail and help bring modern, efficient train systems to America.