Republican lawmakers in California sent a letter to President Trump last week urging an investigation into the state’s struggling high-speed rail project. The letter requests an assessment of the project’s feasibility and calls for accountability regarding its “mismanagement and broken promises.” The letter, dated February 13, follows Trump’s criticism of the project, which received voter approval in 2008. Trump described the project as “the worst-managed” he has ever seen, citing significant cost overruns. He announced plans to launch an investigation, questioning how such an expensive project could be so mismanaged.

The investigation request came after a report from the project’s inspector general, released on February 3, which cast doubt on the feasibility of meeting the 2033 goal to begin passenger service between Merced and Bakersfield. Construction continues on a 119-mile stretch between these Central Valley communities, with completion expected between 2030 and 2033. However, the inspector general, Benjamin Belnap, expressed concerns that staying on schedule is unlikely due to deviations from the original procurement and funding strategies.

Republican State Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, who represents Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, was among those signing the letter. She criticized the High-Speed Rail Authority for spending taxpayer money on models and public relations instead of delivering tangible results. Macedo pointed out that after 17 years and $13.7 billion, no tracks have been laid. The letter also questions why a risk analysis was not conducted for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment.

Macedo has called for the redirection of state funds from the rail project to other critical needs, such as fire protection, recovery, and water infrastructure. She argued that the project, which was promised to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles and be funded with federal and private sector matching funds, has failed to deliver as expected. Originally slated for completion in 2020, the project has only completed preliminary work.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently celebrated a milestone in the project, breaking ground on the track-laying phase outside Bakersfield. Newsom touted the project as a significant step for California’s future transportation, claiming it would create thousands of jobs and contribute to building America’s largest infrastructure project. However, Macedo questioned whether the project would benefit her district, noting that it wouldn’t serve as a commuter solution for rapidly growing areas. She also highlighted concerns about the environmental and economic consequences of the project’s cost, especially in light of the state’s ongoing issues with wildfires and water infrastructure.