On Friday, October 3, the Trump administration froze $2.1 billion in transit funding for Chicago, intensifying a broader campaign to withhold funds from Democratic-led regions during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
White House Budget Director Russ Vought announced the funds, designated for major public transit projects, were put on hold to “ensure funding is not flowing via race-based contracting.”
The freeze impacts two key projects: the highly anticipated Red Line Extension, which would add new stations and extend service to Chicago’s far South Side—serving predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods—and the Red and Purple Line modernization project on the North Side.
Local leaders sharply criticized the move. The Red Line Extension has been described as the city’s most significant transit project in 50 years, promising vital economic benefits.
Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city and frequent target of President Trump’s rhetoric, is among several Democratic-controlled areas facing funding freezes. At least $28 billion has been withheld from projects in places like New York, California, and Colorado, including transit developments and green energy initiatives.
The funding freeze comes on the third day of the federal shutdown, after the Senate again failed to pass a Republican-backed funding plan. The proposal fell short of the 60 votes needed, extending the government closure.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the freeze as “hostage-taking,” accusing the administration of prioritizing political gain over the economy and public transit users. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed to use “every tool at our disposal to restore this funding.”
