We have discussed this topic multiple times: California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s multi-billion-dollar high-speed train project, an abject failure, symbolizes the pitfalls of unchecked left-wing Democrat policies. While the state grapples with some of the highest taxes in the nation, the largest homeless population, ongoing budget crises, and an exodus of residents and businesses, Newsom and his allies continue to proclaim that their state is the guiding light for the rest of the country. They portray this ghost train project as a testament to their values.
However, as reported by 60 Minutes, the situation surrounding the project is a disaster of nearly biblical proportions, with very little to show for the years and billions of dollars invested in it:
60 Minutes on Sunday profiled the “Ghost train” in California — the high-speed rail project that was approved by voters in 2008 and supposed to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco. Instead, the project has turned into an estimated $125 billion stain on the state, with Californians still waiting for the first tracks to be laid down, years after the train was expected to starting running.
Correspondent Jon Wertheim wanted to get an answer on why the train is so far behind schedule — and over budget.
He pointed to a few reasons, including “California’s exacting environmental regulations, which triggered all manner of reviews, lawsuits, and delays.”
Yeah, okay, “muh environmental regs.” Sure. But where in the hootin’ hollow did the money go?
This @60Minutes piece on California's high speed rail disaster is incredible. From the comparison to costs in other countries to the questions about where the money went (consultants, lawyers, vendors), and how much supporters like Gavin Newsom have moved the goalposts. ? https://t.co/hdz5gOjveH
— Corey Uhden (@CACoreyU) April 5, 2026
Sounds like the entire project is a bait-and-switch transfer of taxpayer money:
“As anyone whose renovated a home knows, delay adds to price,” [correspondent Jon] Wertheim quipped.
He said the high cost of U.S. labor and construction relative to other countries hasn’t helped, either.
Another problem: terrible planning. Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) told CBS the 2008 plan that was approved by voters was “very theoretical,” but that it has become “very clear they didn’t have the specifics worked out.”
“We’re now in 2026. There are no trains, there’s no track laid,” Fong added. “It’s a complete bait and switch.”
The project was approved with $9.95 billion initially earmarked for it, with the final cost expected to be around $33 billion. But nearly two-decades of delays have sent that price tag soaring.
BREAKING: California doesn't have enough money to finish building a high speed rail system to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles and now they want $125 BILLION MORE!
"The entire amount of money we need is not there…"
And now they want more money than Amtrak has EVER… pic.twitter.com/CBe2heU0MK
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) April 5, 2026
“The entire amount of money we need is not there…”
And now they want more money than Amtrak has EVER received in their history.
CBS notes: “That’s more funding than Amtrak has received in its history, and still leaves a shortfall of roughly $90 billion.”
INSANE.
In July of 2025, the Trump administration yanked $4 billion dollars in federal funding from the boondoggle. “Thanks to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, not a SINGLE penny in Federal Dollars will go towards this Newscum SCAM ever again,” he wrote on Truth Social. “This was an ill-conceived and unnecessary project, and a total waste of Taxpayer money — But no more!”
The goals of the project have now been scaled back: what was once a dream of connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco is now reduced to a potential ride from the Central Valley between Bakersfield and Merced, as if that is something anyone wanted. You’ve got to be kidding me.
They hope to finally lay down some tracks in 2026—six years later than originally planned. This situation exemplifies the excessive influence of a single-party rule in the state and reflects what could happen nationwide if Democrats regain the White House and Congress. Absolutely chilling.
