Sean Duffy to Withhold Millions from California Over Commercial Licenses [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Oct 26, 2025 at 03:47 PM EDT


Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy said on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo that he is “about to pull $160 million from California” and potentially the state’s ability to issue Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a month after the DOT issued an emergency action on the matter. Newsweek has reached out to the California governor’s office for comment via email on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Duffy’s comments come after some high-profile fatal crashes have sparked public debate over requirements for CDLs. A Florida crash by 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, a truck driver from Stockton, California, killed three people. Singh, a native of India, was later arrested in California and extradited to Florida on vehicular homicide charges, with federal authorities claiming he was in the country illegally when California issued his CDL. However, California officials say Singh obtained proper work permits in 2018 during President Donald Trump's previous administration.

Duffy has threatened to revoke $160 million in federal funding from California over alleged licensing violations. In late September, the DOT announced “emergency rules” that required all state DMVs to pause issuing licenses to non-citizens until they can comply with the "new federal standard." As of Sunday, the California DMV still has the update active on their website.

The Trump official's comments come as California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has repeatedly clashed with the White House, particularly over immigration raids and the federal deployment of thousands of National Guard troops. The governor, who is term limited, said on Sunday he would be “lying” if he didn’t say he is considering a White House run after the 2026 midterm elections.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/sean-duffy-to-withhold-millions-from-california-over-commercial-licenses-10941523