Newsom Folds: California Ends Lawsuit Against Trump Admin Over High-Speed Rail Funding

California has withdrawn its lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the revoked $4 billion in high-speed rail funding. The dismissal is voluntary but without prejudice, allowing for potential refiling. This action followed a judge's rejection of the Justice Department's argument about the lawsuit's proper court. The U.S. Department of Transportation had withdrawn the funding, citing the project's slow progress and lack of a viable plan. The high-speed rail project, originally estimated at $33 billion with a 2020 completion date, has seen costs balloon to over $89 billion and its completion is projected for 2033. The California High-Speed Rail Authority had sued to reinstate the funds, alleging political motivation behind the funding cut. The state argued the federal government's actions were retaliatory in nature. The Authority stated it had met every regulatory requirement. California now seeks alternative funding sources and partnerships for project completion. The Authority’s spokesperson cited the federal government as an unreliable partner, causing inefficiencies. The Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.