The sanctuary state of New York could soon see even more of its funding cut. Such is what Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced when speaking during a hugely important press conference that could signal the administration is getting tough, noting that New York is persisting in illegally aiding illegal aliens and so will face the consequences unless it stops.
As background, at issue here is a matter that has been at the root of many of the administration’s fights with sanctuary cities and states: the granting of commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens, despite the fact that the Trump Administration has ordered them to stop doing exactly that and the number of deadly crashes involving illegal aliens with CDLs.
Amongst those states that are the worst about doing so is New York. Revealing as much during a press conference delivered on Friday, December 12, Secretary Duffy explained, “Fifty-three percent of New York’s non-domiciled CDLs were issued unlawfully or illegally.”
Adding to that, the Transportation Secretary noted that this wasn’t a mistake but was an intentional action taken by the state that must be punished, noting, “When more than half of the licenses reviewed were issued illegally, it isn’t just a mistake — it is a dereliction of duty by state leadership.”
Then, calling out New York’s governor for what she has done and demanding that she act, he said, “Gov. Hochul must immediately revoke these illegally issued licenses. If they refuse to follow the law, we will withhold federal highway funding.” He added, “This administration will never stop fighting to keep you and your family safe on our roads.”
Further, he argued that Biden and Pete Buttigieg let sanctuary states get away with such a dereliction of duty, explaining, “We have this problem because Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg did not enforce the law. And millions of people came into the country during their tenure and then when they were here, these rules were still there.”
Later, describing the scope of the cuts that New York is facing over the matter, Secretary Duffy said that it will lose $73 million in 30 days unless it changes course and gives in to the administration’s demands. He said, “We’re holding New York accountable for issuing non-domicile commercial driver’s licenses to truckers illegally. FULL STOP. We’re giving New York 30 days to comply or we’ll withhold $73 MILLION! The safety of the American people comes first🇺🇸”
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Watch him here:
.@SecDuffy announces that 53% of New York’s non-domiciled CDLs were issued unlawfully:
“I am going to give New York 30 days… to come into compliance… If New York refuses to come into compliance…we are going to pull tens of millions of dollars.” pic.twitter.com/OTclZFf3JE
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 12, 2025
As could be predicted, New York freaked out. Issuing a fiery statement in response to Duffy’s threats and allegations, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Walter McClure said, “Secretary Duffy is lying about New York State once again in a desperate attempt to distract from the failing, chaotic administration he represents. Here is the truth: Commercial Drivers Licenses are regulated by the Federal Government, and New York State DMV has, and will continue to, comply with federal rules.”
McClure added, “Every CDL we issue is subject to verification of an applicant’s lawful status through federally-issued documents reviewed in accordance with federal regulations. This is just another stunt from Secretary Duffy, and it does nothing to keep our roads safer. We will review USDOT’s letter and respond accordingly.”