The Trump administration threatens Pennsylvania with a $75 million funding cut over a CDL scandal involving a terror suspect.
Story Overview
- The Trump administration demands that Pennsylvania clean up its CDL rolls.
- A terror suspect with a PennDOT license was apprehended in Kansas.
- Pennsylvania issued CDLs without verifying legal status.
- Federal funding is at risk if compliance is not met.
Trump Administration Takes a Hard Stance on CDL Regulations
The Trump administration has taken decisive action against Pennsylvania, threatening to withhold $75 million in federal funding. This decision comes after the arrest of an Uzbek terror suspect in Kansas, who was found with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by PennDOT.
The administration insists that Pennsylvania must rectify its CDL processes to prevent licenses from being issued to individuals without verified legal status.
The Department of Transportation has stated that issuing “non-domicile” CDLs to ineligible foreigners violates federal safety regulations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of ensuring that those behind the wheel of large vehicles on American roads are legally authorized to do so. This stance aligns with President Trump’s policies on immigration and public safety.
SCOOP: The Trump administration is taking on yet another blue state for issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Transportation @SecDuffy has threatened to withhold $75 million in federal funding from Pennsylvania if the state refuses to stop handing out… pic.twitter.com/Xaw0LIUMeV
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) November 20, 2025
Pennsylvania’s Response and Required Actions
Governor Josh Shapiro has responded by pointing fingers at the Trump administration, blaming them for the presence of noncitizens like Akhror Bozorov in federal databases.
However, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that being in these databases does not equate to legal immigration status. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) review revealed that Pennsylvania failed to require proof of lawful presence before issuing CDLs.
To avoid losing federal funding, Pennsylvania must immediately halt the issuance of new, renewed, transferred, or upgraded non-domiciled CDLs. Furthermore, the state must conduct a comprehensive audit to identify and void all non-compliant licenses. Duffy’s office has stressed the urgency of these actions to ensure public safety and compliance with federal regulations.
Implications for Public Safety and Accountability
The situation has drawn criticism from Pennsylvania lawmakers, including state Sen. Jarrett Coleman and House Minority Leader Jesse Topper. They have called for accountability and transparency from the Shapiro administration.
The issuance of a CDL and REAL ID to Bozorov, a suspected terrorist, has raised significant concerns about the state’s licensing procedures.
These developments highlight the broader issue of state compliance with federal immigration and safety laws.
The Trump administration’s focus on highway safety and legal compliance underscores the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect American citizens. As this situation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Pennsylvania to reform its licensing processes and ensure road safety.
