“Promises made, promises kept.” That’s the mantra guiding the Trump Administration as it races to deliver on its bold vision for American transportation. And at the heart of this transformation is the Department of Transportation, which has shifted from a “woke bureaucracy” to a powerhouse for safety, affordability, and innovation. It hasn’t been easy, but the Department has been laser-focused on ending past mismanagement and building big, beautiful things again.
Modernizing Our Skies
At the center of President Trump’s transportation agenda is the creation of an all-new air traffic control system. The current system, while safe, still relies on technology from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Before Trump’s second term, this outdated system contributed to chaotic delays and cancellations, and it held back innovation in the skies—drones, flying taxis, and supersonic flight.
Trump and his team saw the problem and moved quickly to fix it. Thanks to the $12.5 billion delivered through the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Department launched the most ambitious reform of air traffic control in history. The results are already speaking for themselves. More than a third of all telecommunications wires have been upgraded from copper to fiber, over 150 new radio systems have been installed, and 44 tower surface awareness systems are now in place. The Department has also brought in a private-sector company to oversee the project and issued new contracts to replace aging radars with state-of-the-art technology.
Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg said an air traffic control overhaul would take over a decade. But under Trump, it’s on pace to be done in three years. “If that’s not moving at the speed of Trump, I’m not sure what is,” said Secretary Sean Duffy.
Cracking Down on Illegals in Big Rigs
The trucking industry is another critical piece of the transportation puzzle. After millions of illegal immigrants flooded the United States, the previous administration sat by as many unqualified foreign drivers were illegally issued licenses to operate 40-ton vehicles. These drivers have been responsible for horrific crashes across the country.
President Trump understands the importance of keeping Americans safe on the roads, which is why in April, he put forward a critical Executive Order to stop this crisis. The Department of Transportation jumped into action, reinstating the penalty for failing English language tests and knocking nearly 12,000 drivers out of service for being unable to read road signs or communicate with law enforcement.
This summer, the Department launched a nationwide audit, exposing California, New York, Minnesota, and countless other states for issuing thousands of commercial driver’s licenses illegally. Some were given to illegal immigrants, while others were issued with dates far beyond their work authorization.
The Department has already kicked over 6,500 training schools off the books and is working on new verification systems to crack down on fraud. “We will not jeopardize roadway safety for the sake of political correctness,” Duffy emphasized.
Lowering Costs
During the campaign, President Trump promised to end the woke electric vehicle mandates of his predecessor and make driving more affordable again. To deliver on that promise, the Department of Transportation’s new “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative will eliminate Buttigieg’s insane mileage standards, saving every American family nearly $1,000 on a new vehicle. It will also revitalize American auto manufacturing and give consumers the power to buy the car that fits their needs. Starting this year, Americans can deduct up to $10,000 on car loans for American-made vehicles.
Falling car prices are just one piece of the puzzle. Filling up your car at the pump is cheaper than ever thanks to President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy production. The Department streamlined energy transportation regulations to generate $600 billion in savings, approved new deepwater ports, and pulled millions from doomed offshore wind projects.
Restoring Maritime Dominance
The revitalization of America’s hollowed-out shipyards is a signature initiative of President Trump’s historic second term. The Department of Transportation is spearheading this Trump Maritime Renaissance through investments in ships, ports, and Mariners. No other agency has delivered every vessel on time and on budget since 2020.
However, ships mean nothing without the qualified men and women to run them. Overdue investments to the United States Merchant Marine Academy are a top priority. For 250 years, the ocean has been a source of commerce, sustenance, and national security. Our maritime workforce will ensure they will be for the next 250.
These are just a few of the major feats accomplished under President Trump. From increasing air traffic controller hiring by 20% to taking over Washington’s Union Station and New York’s Penn Station