Trump Administration Threatens to Withhold 25% of Federal Funding from Chicago Transit
After a violent attack on a passenger, the FTA demands a new security plan, igniting a heated debate over public safety, accountability, and federal funding.
The Trump administration issued a new threat to the city of Chicago, warning it could withhold up to 25% of federal funding allocated to the public transit authority, following the brutal assault of a passenger on the Blue Line last month.
This stance came in an official letter sent by Mark Mollinaro, director of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), to Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, demanding a new and effective security plan by December 19. The move sparked widespread political controversy within and beyond the state, according to Newsweek.
Brutal Blue Line Attack Highlights Security Gaps in Chicago Transit
The incident that triggered the crisis occurred on November 17, when 26-year-old Beth Maggi was violently attacked on a CTA train after a man doused her with gasoline and set her on fire. Officials described the attack as “barbaric” and “premeditated,” drawing renewed attention to security gaps in the public transit system used daily by millions of residents.
Authorities arrested the attacker, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, the following day. Reed faces federal terrorism charges, which could carry a life sentence if convicted. Court records show Reed has a history of criminal convictions and had been under electronic monitoring for a previous assault, raising questions about the effectiveness of pretrial release policies and supervision of high-risk offenders.
Chicago Officials Push Back as Federal Transit Warning Sparks Political Debate
In his letter, Mollinaro described the incident as evidence of a “systematic failure in leadership and accountability at multiple levels,” stressing that the federal government “will not tolerate such scenes as part of normal transit operations.” While not providing specific measures, the letter emphasized the need to substantially increase security presence in stations and trains, linking compliance to continued federal funding.
Mayor Johnson confirmed that passenger safety is his top priority, noting that the city is addressing security and service issues in the transit system, including mental health support and homelessness programs. At the same time, he criticized the federal approach, calling the letter an “edict” that overlooks local realities. Governor Pritzker went further, accusing the Trump administration of “politicizing a human tragedy” instead of focusing on real, sustainable solutions.
As political debate intensifies, the Chicago Transit Authority is required to respond formally to the federal warning before the deadline, while millions of Americans follow a case that reflects the ongoing tension between federal oversight and major city priorities regarding safety, justice, and funding.
