Trump Demands 17 Million CDL Records From States

Twenty-two states are suing the Trump administration over access to a federal database containing personal information on roughly 17 million commercial drivers. The legal battle comes as federal officials increase enforcement of commercial driver's license requirements and pressure states over compliance. California has already faced roughly $160 million in withheld federal highway funding amid the dispute over commercial driver licensing. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argues the federal government needs access to DMV data to enforce existing law and protect highway safety. State attorneys general, meanwhile, argue that the federal government's demand for state driving records exceeds its legal authority and threatens the privacy of millions of Americans. The dispute also raises a broader question for taxpayers: Who controls state-collected data, and what happens to federal transportation funding when states refuse to comply with federal demands? California officials have reported corrective action involving thousands of allegedly non-compliant commercial learner's permits and commercial driver's licenses. Federal officials say recent enforcement operations have removed hundreds of dangerous truck drivers from the roads. The lawsuit includes states including California, Illinois, New York, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, Wisconsin and others. As the fight moves through the courts, taxpayers could ultimately feel the financial impact through federal transportation funding, state enforcement costs and the broader consequences for America's commercial trucking industry. Subscribe to The Center Square for more reporting on government spending, taxpayer costs, state policy, the economy and the financial issues affecting Americans.