U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on Thursday blasted Los Angeles leaders for what he described as “weak leadership” during recent protests that disrupted the city’s transit services, which he said are “supported with federal funds.”
In a statement and formal letter to Mayor Karen Bass, Duffy said the city’s response to recent demonstrations —sparked by federal immigration enforcement raids—was inadequate, resulting in closures and service disruptions across Metro rails and bus stations. He warned that the city’s handling of the protests raises concerns about its readiness to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass failed to show up for Angelenos as their city was terrorized by anti-ICE riots,” Duffy said. “If President Donald Trump hadn’t stepped in and sent the National Guard and Marines in, L.A. would still be on fire. If this was a preview of their leadership ahead of next year’s World Cup games and the L.A. 2028 Olympics, we have bigger problems.”
SCNG reached out to both Bass’ and Newsom’s offices for comments. As of Thursday afternoon, neither had responded.
Bass, for her part, has condemned violent demonstrators and accused the Trump administration of provoking unrest and misrepresenting the city’s response. She has defended the actions of local law enforcement and denied claims that city or state leaders encouraged the violence.
Newsom, meanwhile, denounced President Trump’s deployment of National Guards and Marines to Los Angeles in response to the recent protests, calling the action “purposefully inflammatory”.
In the letter, Duffy alleged that Bass’ “inability or unwillingness to control the protests and violent mobs that paralyzed Los Angeles” had harmed daily commuters and transit workers.
“Based on your slow action to quell the riots, the Department of Transportation is deeply concerned about your ability to keep the commuting public safe and to handle the transportation logistics needed for the LA games,” he wrote.
The department is requesting that the mayor submit a written report by July 26 addressing:
- The status of all transit services affected by closures or delays
- Coordination efforts between the Los Angeles Police Department, transit police and federal law enforcement.
- Safety protocols to address future unrest
- Resources that will be deployed to ensure transit liability during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics Games.
In a separate letter to L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) CEO Stephanie Wiggins, Duffy also asked for details on steps the agency is taking to deter crime, reduce fare evasion, and improve cleanliness on Metro services.
Protests have erupted across Los Angeles in recent weeks following a series of high-profile U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Demonstrators have targeted government buildings, blocked intersections and staged rallies in downtown and other areas.
There have also been reports of immigration officers questioning riders at train stations and detaining individuals at bus stops, including an incident in Pasadena on June 18. LA Metro officials say ridership has declined 10 to 15 percent since the operations began.