USDOT Highlights First Year Under Trump's America First Agenda

USDOT Highlights One Year Under Trump Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is marking one year under Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The department released a statement outlining what it calls major actions taken under President Donald J. Trump’s America First Agenda.

According to USDOT, the past year focused on safety, infrastructure, and changes to federal transportation policy. The department says these efforts affected many parts of the transportation system. Commercial trucking was a major focus.

The agency describes the year as a shift away from earlier policies. Department officials say the goal was to return attention to safety, enforcement, and core infrastructure needs.

Shift in USDOT Priorities

The department says leadership moved away from electric vehicle mandates and grant rules tied to diversity and climate goals.

Instead, USDOT says it focused on cutting red tape. The department also says it worked to move federal money into active projects. Officials describe this as a return to “common sense” transportation policy.

According to the release, USDOT aimed to make sure taxpayer dollars went to projects with clear safety and economic benefits. Trucking and auto manufacturing are listed as key industries affected by these changes.

Trucking Safety Enforcement Expanded

The release places strong emphasis on trucking safety. USDOT says it increased enforcement against drivers and training programs that did not meet federal standards.

According to the department, more than 11,500 commercial drivers were removed from service. These drivers were cited for failing to meet English proficiency requirements.

USDOT also reports that 7,500 CDL training schools were shut down. The department says these schools failed to meet updated readiness standards set by the Trump Administration.

In addition, USDOT states that English proficiency compliance was achieved across 49 states. The department describes this as a nationwide effort to improve safety on U.S. roads.

The release points to fatal and preventable crashes involving trucks as the reason for these actions. California is specifically mentioned as a state the department says resisted stronger enforcement in the past.

Changes to Vehicle Rules and Costs

USDOT also highlighted changes to federal vehicle standards. The department says President Trump and Secretary Duffy ended fuel economy rules adopted under the previous administration.

According to USDOT, the change is expected to lower the average cost of a new vehicle. The department estimates a reduction of about $1,000 per vehicle.

USDOT also projects broader economic impacts. The department estimates savings of $109 billion over the next five years. These figures are presented as projections in the release.

The department says the changes are meant to support U.S. auto makers. Officials also say the goal is to make vehicles more affordable.

Federal Grants and Funding Reviews

Another major focus involved federal transportation grants. USDOT says it removed diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements from grant programs.

The department also says it reviewed large projects started under the prior administration. According to the release, billions of dollars were pulled from projects such as California’s high-speed rail program and offshore wind developments.

The agency reports progress on delayed grants as well. The department says it cleared half of a backlog of about 3,200 grants.

In addition, the agency says $9 billion in funding has been obligated. The department says the money supports safety projects, infrastructure work, and transportation innovation.

Air Traffic Control System Upgrades

One of the largest efforts mentioned in the release involves aviation. USDOT says Secretary Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration secured $12.5 billion to modernize air traffic control.

The funding came from legislation referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” USDOT says the goal was to improve safety and reliability in U.S. airspace.

According to the department, more than 150 new radio systems were installed. About one-third of older copper wiring was replaced. USDOT also reports that 44 tower surface awareness systems were added to improve runway safety.

The department says air traffic controller hiring also increased. Recruitment rose by 20 percent compared to the year before.

What USDOT Actions Mean for Trucking

For truck drivers and carriers, the release points to tougher enforcement. Driver qualifications and training programs are receiving closer review.

At the same time, changes to vehicle standards could affect truck and equipment costs. Infrastructure funding decisions may also shape freight movement in the years ahead.

USDOT describes the past year as a reset in transportation policy. The department says its actions are meant to improve safety, control costs, and speed up project delivery.

As Secretary Duffy begins his second year, the department says trucking and road safety will remain central priorities under the Trump Administration.