Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Statement on Preliminary Ruling Restoring Red Line Extension Funding

CHICAGO — In response to the ruling by a federal judge today ordering the Trump administration to unfreeze the nearly $2 billion which has been allocated to support the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Red Line Extension project, Mayor Brandon Johnson issued the following statement:

"Today we celebrate yet another victory in the fight to protect federal dollars promised to Chicagoans from being withheld and used to advance Trump's campaign of retribution. While we are encouraged by this ruling, I am redoubling my commitment to protect Chicago from this president's reckless abuse of power and attacks on our city.

"In describing the vindictive motivations behind the illegal recission of these funds, Trump said explicitly he would slash what he called 'Democrat programs.' Today's ruling is a victory not just for Chicago, but for every local government across our country who has been caught in the crosshairs of Trump's punitive attempts to take resources away from working families and punish communities who did not vote for him.

More on EntSun News

• Isiah Thomas, the IWPA, Chef Sergentakis & Blank Page to Author Join Walden's Book Launch on Liftoff
• Newborn Care Network Introduces Clinical Standard to Bridge the Six-Week Postpartum Gap
• Natural Born Clothing Brand Announces "CALM IS A LUXURY" Spring/Summer 2026 Pop-Up Experience
• Former Ad Guy Delivers a Gripping Political Thriller "Balance of Evil" That Explores Power, Betrayal, and Corruption
• The AAA Metamorphosis: How Global Gaming Is Redefining Production Standards

"My administration worked intentionally to secure the federal funds necessary to get the long discussed Red Line Extension project off the ground. This transformational project will bring connectivity and opportunity to areas on the Far South Side of our city which have for decades persisted and thrived despite neglect by leadership at every level of government.

"When completed, RLE will spur newfound economic development while opening up new career and educational opportunities for residents of the Far South Side. My administration will continue to make the necessary investments to ensure every Chicagoan has access to the resources they need to get ahead and thrive.

"I want to thank our partners at the Chicago Transit Authority for leading on this lawsuit and applaud their dedicated service to Chicago.

"As long as I am Mayor of the City of Chicago, I will use every tool at my disposal to preserve every last dollar of federal funding Trump has attempted to steal from the people of our city."

---

Show All News | Report Violation