In a striking announcement on Fox News, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took a bold stance regarding the recent deadly crash in California, linking it to the state’s policy of issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to illegal immigrants. This sharp critique targeted Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, highlighting the serious implications of his policies.
Secretary Duffy revealed that the Department of Transportation is prepared to withhold $160 million in federal funding from California. “Gavin Newsom has thumbed his nose at us,” Duffy remarked, indicating his frustration with the state’s defiance of federal guidelines regarding CDL issuance. He underscored the DOT’s expectation that California must not only halt the issuance of such licenses to unauthorized residents but also reassess all previously granted licenses to ensure compliance with federal laws.
This strong language aims to hold California accountable for decisions that Duffy argues have placed citizens at risk. He decisively stated, “Gavin Newsom cares more about illegals getting commercial driver’s licenses than he does the citizens of his own state and the safety of Americans. It’s shameful.” Such statements paint Newsom’s priorities in a troubling light, suggesting a focus that Duffy perceives as misguided.
Duffy further asserted that the consequences for California’s refusal to comply are substantial. He suggested that the state could lose not only financial support but also its authority to issue CDLs altogether. This threat serves as a clear warning to state leaders about the stakes involved in immigration policy decisions that, according to Duffy, directly affect public safety. “We’re going to fight tooth and nail under President Trump’s administration to make sure that we hold states like California accountable,” he vowed.
In further remarks on “America Reports,” Duffy reiterated his concerns over the tragic crash and emphasized the potential preventable nature of such incidents. “Had Gavin followed our rules per DOT, this guy would have never been on the road. Three more people would be alive,” he stated, highlighting a specific instance where adherence to federal guidelines could have averted tragedy. His comments stress a cause-and-effect relationship between state policies and public safety.
This narrative suggests that adherence to federal guidelines is not just bureaucratic protocol but a fundamental obligation to safeguard citizens. Duffy’s frustration is evident as he directly addresses Newsom’s decisions, underscoring the tension between state autonomy and federal oversight. “Keep your citizens safe. Keep foreigners off the roads,” he declared, framing the issue as a matter of straightforward responsibility.
As the DOT prepares to enforce these severe measures, the ramifications for California’s governance and policies come sharply into focus. Duffy’s remarks signal an ongoing clash between federal authority and state governance that could shape discussions around immigration and public safety in the years to come. The stakes are reminiscent of broader debates about border control, public safety, and the responsibilities that come with state governance.
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