Federal Transit Chief Criticizes MTA Spending, Proposes Oversight by Musk's DOGE

Sean Duffy, after touring NYC subways with Mayor Adams, threatens to withhold federal funding over safety and efficiency concerns.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured NYC subways with Mayor Eric Adams, excluding MTA Chair Janno Lieber, and reiterated his criticism of the MTA's spending and safety practices.
Duffy proposed involving Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate alleged waste and inefficiency in MTA projects, citing costly contracts for subway extensions.
He criticized Manhattan's congestion pricing program as unfair and classist, maintaining opposition to federal approval for the tolling initiative.
Despite federal scrutiny, NYC officials reported significant progress in reducing subway crime, with no murders in 2025 and a 22% year-over-year drop in overall crime.
Tensions remain high between Duffy and Governor Kathy Hochul, with unresolved disputes over federal funding, congestion pricing, and transit policy priorities.