Stanton: Trump threat to withhold transportation funds over DEI, immigration is illegal

Arizona and other states risk losing transportation funding if they do not follow the newest rules implemented by the Trump administration. These guidelines require recipients to adhere to rules related to immigration enforcement and DEI policies.

According to a letter sent by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, violations include impeding ICE officials, issuing drivers’ licenses to undocumented immigrants and integrating discriminatory practices to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion.

Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton opposes the enforcement efforts by the Trump administration.

“They don't get to threaten the economies of Arizona and other states to fulfill their kind of culture war battles. They have to provide these resources to communities in Arizona, throughout the country," he said.

Stanton acknowledges no specific project has been singled out in response to the guidelines.

Stanton also says the actions taken by the current administration are illegal.

“You can't add additional conditions beyond what Congress has provided. So this is our system of checks and balances. This is a system of our independence, of the branches of government," he said.

Stanton says Trump puts communities in a vulnerable position and does not provide clarity on his requests. Stanton also expects litigation over the guidelines.