Trump admin vows to ‘restore order’ on NYC subway

President Donald Trump’s administration is putting pressure on New York City’s transit authority to tackle rising crime rates or risk losing federal funding. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stern warning to the Metro Transportation Authority (MTA) in a letter, emphasizing the need to restore order in the city.

In the letter, Duffy highlighted the unacceptable trend of violent crime, homelessness, and other public safety threats within one of the nation’s most prominent metro systems. He criticized the previous administration’s perceived leniency on crime and vowed to take action to ensure commuters’ safety and security.

The federal government currently provides the MTA with billions of dollars in funding, and Duffy’s ultimatum demands that the MTA address issues such as fare evasion, worker assaults, customer assaults, and police patrols. He also requested a detailed account of how federal funding has been utilized to enhance safety and security in the city’s transportation system.

Failure to comply with the demands outlined in the letter could result in severe consequences, including funding cuts or redirection. Duffy stressed the importance of prompt action by the MTA to avoid further repercussions.

In response to Duffy’s letter, MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John McCarthy defended the agency’s efforts to combat crime. He cited a 40% decrease in crime compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2020 and highlighted a reduction in daily major crimes in transit. McCarthy also noted a 25% decline in fare evasion since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, concerns over recent high-profile subway attacks have raised doubts about the overall safety of the subway system. MTA head Janno Lieber acknowledged that these incidents have had a significant impact on public perception, despite positive crime statistics. He emphasized the need to address these concerns and restore confidence in the safety of the transportation system.

As the Trump administration continues to push for improved safety measures in New York City, the MTA faces mounting pressure to address rising crime rates and ensure the security of commuters. The ongoing dialogue between federal authorities and the MTA underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety in one of the country’s busiest transportation networks.