A new policy threatens the safety of American roads as California is accused of illegally issuing licenses to foreign drivers, igniting a federal crackdown.
Story Highlights
- California issued 17,000 illegal commercial driver’s licenses to foreign nationals.
- Federal audits revealed systemic non-compliance, leading to license revocations.
- Secretary Duffy warns of federal fund cuts if California fails to comply.
- Governor Newsom disputes Duffy’s claims, citing political motivations.
Federal Crackdown on Illegal Licenses
On November 12, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy announced the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) illegally issued by California’s DMV. These licenses were granted to non-domiciled foreign drivers, violating federal regulations that require CDLs to expire with the driver’s legal U.S. status. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit found over 25% of sampled records noncompliant, prompting this decisive federal action.
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Governor Gavin Newsom faces criticism for allegedly allowing these illegal issuances to continue under his administration. Duffy has accused Newsom of lying and mismanaging state policies, framing this as a safety issue that poses threats to American roads. The revocation notices have been issued, and license holders have 60 days before their licenses are void, targeting early January 2026.
Political Tensions and State Resistance
The issue has escalated into a significant political standoff between federal and state authorities. Secretary Duffy has threatened to withhold nearly $160 million in federal funds if California does not rectify its non-compliance. Governor Newsom, however, argues that the state’s licensing practices were in line with Department of Homeland Security guidance and accuses the federal government of political overreach.
Secretary Duffy Issues Stark Warning to Newsom Over Illegal Licenseshttps://t.co/NfdcIwj4jZ
— PJ Media Updates (@PJMediaUpdates) December 31, 2025
Newsom’s office claims that the federal actions are unwarranted and politically motivated, intending to undermine state autonomy. Meanwhile, the California DMV insists that the drivers had valid work authorizations and that the revocation process is a result of federal pressure rather than legal necessity.
Impact on Trucking Industry and Safety
The revocation of over 17,000 licenses is expected to disrupt California’s trucking industry significantly, a sector already strained by labor shortages. The loss of licensed drivers may lead to delays and increased costs in the supply chain. However, proponents of the federal crackdown argue that this action is necessary to ensure road safety and uphold federal standards.
While the FMCSA continues its audits, other states are on alert, anticipating potential reviews of their own CDL programs. This situation underscores the delicate balance between federal oversight and state governance, especially in areas impacting public safety and immigration.
Sources:
Newsom Caught Redhanded: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Exposes California
California Revokes 17,000 Commercial Driver’s Licenses for Immigrants
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Exposes
Transportation Secretary Slams Newsom Over Fake Extension
