Gavin Newsom’s $15 Billion “TRAIN TO NOWHERE”
Jesse Watters from FOX News criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement about the construction of the California High-Speed Rail, a project that’s taken over a decade and cost around $15 billion to even get started.
In his novel *1984*, George Orwell wrote, “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.” Watching Newsom’s unusual promotional video for what some call a “high-speed train to nowhere” brings that message to mind. After spending around $12 billion, he showcased diesel freight trains running on existing tracks, without a single section of new rail laid, creating a facade of progress.
This saga has been a topic I’ve followed for years. Newsom insisted the project would bring significant change, though that change seems far from what he envisioned.
Back in 2008, voters approved a bond measure worth $9.95 billion, a figure that seemed on the low side. Getting buy-in from various stakeholders made it increasingly complex for influential figures to bail out when costs surged due to overruns and delays.
Now, projected ridership has plummeted by 25%, and to finish this years-delayed project, billions more will be necessary. Keep in mind, this entire initiative was meant to establish just 271 miles of rail. The budget is anticipated to go beyond $128 billion, which translates to, potentially, $1 billion for every mile. There’s still an environmental review pending, along with challenges in routing through the mountains.
California Faces Economic Challenges, But Hope Remains
After almost 20 years, there are still no trains or tracks in place.
Inspector General Benjamin Belknap released a damning report on the unfinished initial phase, specifically the section from Merced to Bakersfield, scheduled for completion by 2033. He stated, “It’s doubtful we can stick to the 2033 timeline, as fewer scheduling opportunities remain. This poses considerable uncertainty and risks for upcoming project phases.”
Instead of fulfilling the vision for high-speed rail connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Merced to Bakersfield Line’s projected cost has ballooned to $35.3 billion, outstripping initial estimates for the entire system.
With a combined population of just 500,000, Merced and Bakersfield are now home to the priciest rail initiative in California’s history.
Ironically, even as record numbers of people leave the state, Newsom’s ambitions for the presidency persist. Unfortunately, the reality is a train that seems to be going nowhere. Even the *New York Times* is questioning whether Newsom might become an emblematic failure for the Democratic Party.
Newsom Highlights Achievements While California Struggles
In response, Newsom published a series of articles, including one by Maya Singer in *Vogue*, emphasizing his image rather than focusing on the budget issues or the reality of the stalled project.
It certainly draws attention to his looks—tall and well-coiffed—with a demeanor that oscillates between charismatic and slightly distant.
What’s interesting is that while he presents this polished image, many are more concerned about the actual outcome of his policies rather than how he is portrayed. This disconnect has led to questionable optics, which I can only liken to a taken-for-granted moment with a chef who charges far more than the menu shows, fails to deliver, and then produces only photos as progress.
The stark truth is that Newsom has taken nearly two decades to produce something that has shrunk drastically in scope and continues to escalate in cost.
Californians are waiting on a train that may never arrive. With substantial economic and political commitment, the nation has to continue pouring billions into this project. It’s a long ride with Gavin Newsom at the helm.
