Amtrak CEO Resigns After Pressure From President Donald Trump

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has announced his resignation from the rail company after United States President Donald Trump reportedly called for the changes. 

According to Reuters.com, Gardner said on Wednesday that he would walk away from the job due to concerns about maintaining the rail company’s support from the Trump administration.

Sources told Reuters that Gardner was asked to step down, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “Amtrak needs to address safety concerns.” Elon Musk, a Trump administration advisor, believes Amtrak should be privatized.

“I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration,” Gardner said. “I am so proud of what the Amtrak team has accomplished to bring passenger rail service to more people and places across the country over these past 16 years, and I thank the Board for their trust and support.”

“We did a lot together to make Amtrak safer, more modern, and a better travel experience for all our customers,” Gardner continued. “From my start as an Amtrak intern back in the 1990s to ending as CEO, it has been my honor and privilege to lead this great American company, and I wish Amtrak every success. See you on the rails.”

Amtrak revealed that ridership increased over 15 percent in 2023 to a record 32.8 million customer trips, while passenger revenue hit $2.5 billion, up nine percent. Last year was not as successful, with Amtrak reporting an adjusted operating loss of $705 million, down nine percent compared to 2023.

In 2021, the government approved $66 billion for rail projects, including $22 billion to Amtrak over five years.

“As Stephen departs today, we thank him for his 16 years of service to Amtrak,” the Amtrak Board said in a statement. “We will build on his accomplishments and wish him every success. We look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Duffy as we build the world-class passenger rail system this country deserves.”

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