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2mo ago

Amtrak CEO Resigns as Privatization Debate Intensifies

Stephen Gardner steps down to secure Trump administration's support, as Elon Musk calls for privatization and Amtrak defends its public service mission.

FILE - Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner speaks during a House Transportation subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
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Amtrak's Stephen Gardner (L) speaks to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (R) and members of a state Congressional delegation during a tour of the Gateway Project through the North River Tunnel beneath the Hudson River, in Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S., January, 28, 2019. Ed Murray/N.J. Advance Media/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • Stephen Gardner announced his resignation as Amtrak CEO, citing the need to maintain the Trump administration's confidence in the organization.
  • Elon Musk has advocated for privatizing Amtrak, describing the service as inefficient and proposing privatization as a means to improve performance.
  • Amtrak has publicly opposed privatization, highlighting its statutory mission to prioritize public benefit over profitability and citing failures of similar efforts abroad.
  • The Trump administration has increased scrutiny on Amtrak, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pushing for operational changes and threatening funding cuts.
  • Despite political pressures, Amtrak achieved record ridership and revenue in 2024, supported by significant federal investments, including $66 billion from the 2021 infrastructure bill.