Federal highway funds for Pennsylvania are at risk after a terror suspect with an illegal immigration status was caught driving a truck with a state-issued commercial license, exposing a breakdown in vetting and oversight.
Story Snapshot
- The Trump administration threatens to withhold $75 million from Pennsylvania over illegal CDL issuances to noncitizens.
- Federal review found state agencies issued licenses without verifying legal status, following arrest of an Uzbek terror suspect trucker.
- PennDOT must halt all new non-domicile CDLs and conduct an internal audit to avoid losing funding.
- State leaders and federal officials clash over accountability, with calls for investigation and stricter compliance.
Federal Funding Threat Over CDL Scandal
The Trump administration announced it will withhold $75 million in federal funding from Pennsylvania unless the state addresses its commercial driver’s license (CDL) rolls, following the arrest of an Uzbek national in Kansas who was found driving a semitruck with a Pennsylvania-issued CDL despite being a terror suspect and ineligible for legal status.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) review revealed Harrisburg violated federal safety regulations by issuing “non-domicile” CDLs illegally, putting public safety at risk.
The FMCSA determined that licenses had been granted to ineligible foreigners without proper verification of legal status. Officials emphasized that under President Trump, the Department of Transportation is committed to preventing dangerous foreign drivers from operating heavy vehicles on American roads.
The Department of Transportation cited the terror suspect’s arrest, noting his illegal presence in the country, and highlighted Pennsylvania’s issuance of his CDL as recently as July as proof of systemic failings.
The FMCSA review concluded that Pennsylvania failed to require proof of lawful presence and sometimes issued licenses with expiration dates beyond recipients’ authorized stays.
To prevent the loss of federal funds, PennDOT and the Shapiro administration must immediately pause all new, renewed, transferred, or upgraded non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs). Harrisburg is further required to conduct a comprehensive internal audit to identify and void every wrongfully issued CDL, as well as remove unqualified drivers from the road.
SCOOP: The Trump administration is taking on yet another blue state for issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Transportation @SecDuffy has threatened to withhold $75 million in federal funding from Pennsylvania if the state refuses to stop handing out… pic.twitter.com/Xaw0LIUMeV
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) November 20, 2025
State Response and Accountability Debate
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro responded by blaming the Trump administration for failures in federal database management, arguing the terror suspect’s name remained in the federal database of noncitizens with work permits.
The Department of Homeland Security countered that presence in the database does not indicate legal immigration status. PennDOT spokesperson Alexis Campbell stated that the agency previously paused all non-domiciled CDLs, fully cooperated with FMCSA audits, and followed established federal procedures for verifying legal presence using the SAVE database. Campbell maintained that PennDOT had not found any cases of licenses issued to ineligible applicants during recent audits.
Senator Jarrett Coleman, R-Allentown, and other state Republicans criticized the administration’s handling of the matter, calling the situation a dangerous form of bureaucratic stonewalling.
House Minority Leader Jesse Topper described the issuance of a REAL ID and CDL to the terror suspect as “egregious,” demanding accountability and real answers from the Shapiro administration. Topper called for an investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Auditor General into licensing and voter registration systems to prevent future lapses.
Federal Mandates and Policy Shifts Under Trump
Secretary Duffy’s announcement comes amid broader Trump administration policies to strengthen highway safety and immigration controls. President Trump has issued proclamations making English the official language of the U.S. and renewed the federal focus on highway safety.
Federal and state law enforcement agencies now work together at weigh stations to vet foreign nationals driving commercial vehicles for English proficiency, legal documentation, and knowledge of highway laws. These measures reflect the administration’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and constitutional values, reversing past policies that allowed alleged terrorists and illegal immigrants access to sensitive infrastructure and transportation systems.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Pennsylvania’s licensing practices and highlighted broader concerns about illegal immigration, government oversight, and public safety.
Legislative leaders remain divided over the adequacy of current procedures and the accountability of state agencies. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt and PennDOT Secretary Michael Carroll disputed claims that noncitizens are presented with the same motor-voter options as U.S. citizens, further complicating the debate.
As the Trump administration pushes for strict enforcement and transparency, Pennsylvania faces mounting pressure to comply with federal mandates or risk significant funding cuts, reinforcing the importance of secure borders and responsible governance in preserving American values.
