USDOT: Trump administration threatens to withhold funding from three states for failing to require that truck drivers can speak English

USDOT: Trump administration threatens to withhold funding from three states for failing to require that truck drivers can speak English

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold a cumulative $46 million in annual federal trucking safety funds from California, New Mexico, and Washington. The states face this penalty for failing to enforce a federal mandate requiring truck drivers to demonstrate basic English-language proficiency [1].

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy has given the three states 30 days to comply with the English-language rule. The states collectively received over $46 million in fiscal 2023 through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, with California receiving about $30 million, Washington $9.6 million, and New Mexico $6.7 million [1].

Secretary Duffy cited the recent deadly Florida highway crash, which killed three people, as an example of the dangers posed by non-enforcement of safety regulations. He stated that states failing to enforce the law put the driving public at risk [1].

The California Highway Patrol has publicly stated it has no plans to enforce the mandate. This move by Secretary Duffy reflects a broader strategy of using federal transportation dollars as leverage to enforce a host of Trump administration policies [1].

The Trump administration has also announced a nationwide audit into state practices in issuing non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) [3]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has paused the issuance of commercial driver work visas, citing concerns over the increasing number of foreign truck drivers operating in the U.S. [3].

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have both expressed support for the administration's actions, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and better accountability for the issuance of CDLs [3].

The USDOT's actions aim to ensure that all commercial motor vehicle drivers can communicate effectively in English, a requirement outlined in federal law. This includes the ability to communicate with the public and law enforcement, respond to official inquiries, and complete required reports and logs [2].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-26/trump-threatens-to-pull-state-funds-over-english-language-rule
[2] https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-announces-investigation-deadly-florida-truck-crash
[3] https://www.aftermarketnews.com/truck-driver-visas-on-hold/