Trump Administration Ends Federal Funding for Texas High-Speed Rail Project

The $63.9 million planning grant termination shifts the Dallas-Houston rail project to private sector leadership as financial, logistical, and political hurdles persist.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has terminated a $63.9 million federal planning grant for the Texas Central high-speed rail project, citing concerns over taxpayer funds.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the project should rely on private investment rather than federal support, aligning with its origins as a private venture.
The rail project, designed to cut travel time between Dallas and Houston to 90 minutes, has seen costs balloon to over $40 billion and acquired only 25% of the necessary land.
State lawmakers and local communities continue to oppose the project, filing bills and lawsuits over unpaid property taxes to hinder its progress.
Lead investor Kleinheinz Capital Partners remains committed to advancing the project through private funding, viewing the federal grant termination as an opportunity to take full control.