Trump says it just isn’t sensible.
President Donald Trump recently expressed his intention to investigate California’s controversial high-speed rail project, a proposed system designed to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles. The rail would make several stops along the way, but Trump has repeatedly voiced his concerns over its necessity and efficiency. In his view, air travel is a far superior option for travelers, noting that for just $2, a person could fly between the two cities instead of taking the train.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, while signing new executive orders, President Trump was asked about the ongoing efforts to improve government efficiency, particularly regarding Elon Musk’s role. Musk, whom Trump appointed to oversee the “Department of Government Efficiency,” has faced backlash for his management style and influence on various agencies.
In his response, Trump praised Musk for his success but pointed to California’s high-speed rail project as an example of government waste and mismanagement. “That train project between Los Angeles and San Francisco is, without a doubt, the most poorly managed project I’ve ever seen,” Trump said. “I’ve seen some bad projects, but this one takes the cake.”
The president suggested that taxpayers should not be footing the bill for such an expensive and inefficient project when flying is a far cheaper and faster alternative. “You can buy a plane ticket for just $2,” Trump emphasized, underlining his stance that air travel is a more sensible option than investing in the rail system. He also mentioned that driving between the two cities remains an affordable choice.
Trump and Musk have both criticized California’s high-speed rail proposal, with Musk even suggesting he could develop a “Hyperloop” system—a high-speed alternative that could bypass the need for traditional rail altogether. However, Musk’s plans for the Hyperloop have largely remained aspirational rather than serious proposals. Regardless, both figures agree that California’s train project is unnecessary, inefficient, and a poor use of taxpayer money.