USDOT Restores Second Avenue Subway Funding

The Trump administration, through the United States — United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), has agreed to resume funding for the Second Avenue subway line project in Manhattan after United States — New York (state) officials, including the United States — Los Angeles Metro (MTA) CEO Janno Lieber, filed a lawsuit. The USDOT had withheld approximately $60 million, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and their impact on project costs. The administration argued that DEI principles led to soaring costs and were unconstitutional. The MTA maintained its compliance with federal policies and that the funding should not have been withheld. This dispute was part of broader feuds between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in United States — New York (state) and United States — New Jersey, which also saw funding halted for a new rail tunnel and approval rescinded for a congestion fee, both of which were later ordered to resume or upheld by federal judges.