TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THREATENS METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY, AGAIN.

August 2025

Marc Molinaro, Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under President Donald Trump– warned the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that they risk losing upwards of 25% of their Federal Transit Funding. This directive was issued on August 19th 2025 following the administration’s accusation that the MTA has been negligent and putting the lives of Public Employees at risk. A 2023 Train Incident that took the life of one MTA employee, and another incident in 2024 that left an employee seriously injured sparked these concerns for Workers’ Safety in our state-run facilities. “I am disturbed by the MTA’s failure to reinforce safety measures following serious accidents–one resulting in the death of a transit worker” said Molinaro in his interview with New York Post.

The death incident was of a MTA Flagger was fatally struck by a NYC Subway train in Manhattan in December 2023. The MTA employee was doing a routine cleaning of subway tracks when a subway train “made contact” with him–ultimately taking his life. Co-workers & MTA CEO Janno Lieber said that the victim was flagging the train operators to warn that there are workers servicing the subway track when he was struck.

The Federal Transit Administration has already rejected two previous Safety Risk Assessments submitted by the Metropolitan Transit Authority following the major incidents. The FTA feels that the previously submitted assessments fail to address critical information. They cited that the reports failed to incorporate near-miss accident data, did not properly assess risk exposure, and misclassified risk levels. There were a reported 38 near-miss incidents in 2023 alone. A steep increase compared to the 24 near-miss incidents in 2022 and 23 near-miss incidents in 2021. Marc Molinaro is demanding a third and more comprehensive risk assessment within 30 days from August 19th 2025. In their warning to the MTA, they demanded federal funding be relocated specifically to rectify safety issues. They also urged for more restrictions to address work safety concerns.

Losing up to a quarter in federal funding could be detrimental to public transit in New York. An already tumultuous relationship between then MTA and its public employees does not help the scrutiny they face. As many as 5 unions representing Long Island Rail Road employees have rejected an offer to settle a dispute with the LIRR, one of the 2 commuter systems owned and operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. On August 14th 2025, union leaders penned a letter to the National Mediation Board that they were unable to reach a voluntary settlement with LIRR. This sparked a Federal Labor Law that invokes a 30-day “cooling off” period where both sides must refrain from any actions, such as a worker’s strike–before Gov. Kathy Hochul or a representative from either party are able to put a request with the Trump Administration to intervene and avoid such strike.

It is no secret that the Trump Administration and Metropolitan Transit Authority have a history of calling each other’s bluff. In the past–the Trump Administration has even threatened funding cuts over subway crimes which only adds to MTA Chief John McCarthy’s claim that this is part of a long pattern of punitive threats made by the FTA. This recent threat to cut the MTA’s funding proves that they are very much still at odds. The implications made by Marc Molinaro were explicitly backed by John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union International (TWU). He cited the many long-standing safety issues at the MTA and said “It is vital that the Federal Transit Administration hold the MTA accountable for its failures. Lives are in the balance.” in a recent press release.

It seems as though this battle that has been fought between two entities isn’t getting any closer to an end- both losing sight that they are set in place to govern our public transit and the safety of its employees. Many have described it as a game of chess which has needed the intervention of big time players such as Governor Kathy Hochul chime in and also address the public transit concerns. The Federal Transit Union’s implications about the MTA’s overall attitude about its workers’ safety are very real and only adding fire to the already delicate relationship between the MTA and its workers.

For workers in the state of New York it is important to note that although our employers don’t always address work safety concerns, there are systems in place to protect you when you are injured on the job. Although not every industry has a Federal Administration or Union standing for their rights, workers in every industry have the right to Workers’ Compensation benefits. A requirement for virtually all employers in the state of New York, Workers’ Compensation is a policy set in place to protect workers in the case of a work-related injury. Designed to guarantee injured workers receive the medical attention and weekly compensation checks they need to survive a very difficult and vulnerable time. At McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson & Riordan LLP we specialize in Workers’ Compensation, Municipal Pensions and Social Security Disability. We are in the business of defending workers in the state of New York and have done so for over 70 years. We have the experience to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Marc Molinaro, Administrator for FTA

Nassau County, NY

Main Office located in Bay Shore, New York.

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McIntyre Donohue Accardi Salmonson & Riordan LLP.

Our attorneys are highly skilled and experienced in Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, & Municipal Pensions. We know exactly what to do to get your weekly benefits and get you paid the time you’re owed. If you or a loved one suffered a work-related injury, call our toll-free line (866)-557-7500.

#MDASR

Writer/Media Contact

Brian Molina- Marketing Coordinator & Paralegal

Sources:

“Trump Admin Demands MTA Fork Over NYC Subway Crime Data or Risk Billions in Federal Funding.” New York Post, 18 Mar. 2025, nypost.com/2025/03/18/us-news/trump-admin-demands-mta-fork-over-nyc-subway-crime-data-or-risk-billons-in-federal-funding.

Deliso, Meredith. “Trump Administration Extends Deadline for NYC to End Congestion Pricing.” ABC News, 20 Mar. 2025, abcnews.go.com/US/trump-administration-extends‑nyc‑congestion‑pricing‑deadline/story?id=119997692.

Trump Administration Threatens to Cut New York Transit Funds over Safety.” Al Jazeera, 19 Aug. 2025, www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/19/trump-administration-threatens-to-cut-new-york-transit-funds-over-safety.