Trump Administration Threatens $75 Million Cut to Pennsylvania Over Immigrant Driver Licenses

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold nearly $75 million in federal funding from Pennsylvania, citing the state’s issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to immigrants. The move escalates a political dispute between the federal government and the Democratic-led state.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the potential funding cut, following a similar action against California. The administration’s scrutiny intensified after a fatal August crash in Florida involving a tractor-trailer driver not authorized to be in the U.S.

An audit in Pennsylvania found two out-of-status licenses out of 150 reviewed. The federal demand requires the state to pause all new, renewed, and transferred commercial licenses, conduct a full audit, and remove noncompliant drivers from the roads.

Governor Josh Shapiro defended Pennsylvania, noting the state relies on federal databases to verify immigrant status. He criticized the Department of Homeland Security for failing to maintain the system properly, citing the recent arrest of an Uzbek national with alleged terrorist ties who still appeared eligible in federal records.

The $75 million threat highlights a deepening federal-state clash over immigrant truck driver regulations. The outcome could set a precedent for other states facing similar federal enforcement actions.