The Trump administration has revoked over 28,000 commercial driver's licenses held by non-citizen truckers as part of a nationwide transportation crackdown, while launching the "Freedom Haulers" initiative to fast-track U.S. military veterans into commercial driving careers. The dual policy aims to enforce strict federal highway safety and language standards on commercial operators while filling critical logistics industry vacancies with military personnel.WASHINGTON — In a major overhaul of the nation's commercial freight sector, the Trump administration announced that federal and state authorities have canceled more than 28,000 commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) previously issued to foreign-born and non-citizen drivers. Simultaneously, officials unveiled a multi-agency campaign designed to transition thousands of U.S. military veterans into heavy-vehicle transport roles.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Department of Transportation (DOT) officials confirmed that the driver removals stem from tightened enforcement of non-domiciled licensing requirements, work-authorization audits, and mandatory English language proficiency rules for commercial operators.English Requirements and State ComplianceThe national crackdown intensified following heightened federal scrutiny over highway safety regulations. According to DOT figures, approximately 24,000 drivers were pulled off the road specifically for failing to demonstrate required English proficiency during routine safety inspections. Additionally, federal authorities collaborated with state licensing agencies to audit and shut down roughly 9,500 commercial driving schools alleged to have helped uncertified applicants bypass federal testing standards.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that public safety remains the driving force behind the policy enforcement."Illegal immigrants who can't speak our language have no business getting behind the wheel of a big rig," Secretary Duffy stated. "Veterans — who have already demonstrated the grit, discipline, and skills to take on this vital task — are the right people for the job."The federal government has also targeted states that have been slow to revoke non-compliant commercial licenses, warning several state transportation departments that non-compliance could result in the withholding of federal highway infrastructure funds.The "Freedom Haulers" Initiative for VeteransTo offset supply chain concerns and address the trucking industry's estimated shortage of 60,000 to 80,000 drivers, the White House introduced the "Freedom Haulers" program. Developed in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, and Department of Defense, the program streamlines the transition from military service to commercial logistics.Key features of the veteran fast-track initiative include:Expanded Skills Waiver: Veterans who operated heavy military transport vehicles over 2.5 tons can skip the practical road skills test for a civilian CDL, with the eligibility window expanded from 12 months to 24 months post-service.Full Financial Coverage: 100% of commercial driving school tuition and fees are covered through the GI Bill, along with housing allowances for active-duty service members in their final six months of service.Expedited Training Programs: Veterans without prior heavy-vehicle experience can complete streamlined training courses to obtain their commercial license within weeks.Administration officials noted that over 30 states have already adopted the full suite of waiver programs, with major carrier companies pledging dedicated recruitment slots for newly licensed veterans.Trump's Trucking Crackdown: Veterans to Replace Undocumented DriversThis video provides additional context on the regulatory changes affecting non-citizen commercial drivers and details the administration's policy push to recruit military veterans into the trucking industry.Also Read :- US Set to Impose New Fees on H-1B, L-1 Visa Renewals: Impact on Indian Professionals Explained
