Amtrak is the latest organization under DOGE's scrutiny
The head of the organization recently announced his resignation


America's national railway service could be heading off the tracks, as Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced on March 19 that he was stepping down from his position. Gardner's resignation comes amid a flurry of criticism aimed at Amtrak by the Trump administration — specifically from Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.
The White House has been at odds with Amtrak over its desire to privatize the company, something that Musk has mused over several times. Gardner's resignation came at the specific request of the Trump administration, according to a report from Reuters. His resignation, along with continuing pushes for privatization, have left some wondering where the for-profit company goes from here.
Push to privatize
Amtrak is one of several institutions, along with the U.S. Postal Service, that Musk has suggested privatizing, claiming that a national rail service is a burden on taxpayer dollars. President Donald Trump himself hasn't spoken on the privatization issue, but this anger toward Amtrak isn't new for his White House. Trump "tried to cut federal funding for the company in half during his first administration — but it's taken a sharper turn this time around," said Gizmodo. Billions of federal dollars for Amtrak "got caught in Trump's federal funding freeze," putting further strain on the country's train commuters.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Gardner had "tried to go along with as much of the Trump administration's demands as possible," but it "seemed inevitable that he and the company would continue to receive significant scrutiny," said Gizmodo. Musk, meanwhile, has "mused about the privatization of Amtrak, claiming that the railroad's service pales in comparison to the high-speed rail systems in other countries," said Bloomberg.
Musk reportedly "called Amtrak 'kind of embarrassing' — while comparing the U.S. carrier to passenger rails seen in other countries, such as bullet trains in China," said The Associated Press. While countries like China have fully state-owned railway systems, others, like Canada, have a mix of both. Musk has further claimed that privatization is the "only way to fix the national rail system," said The New York Times. Amtrak has indeed "struggled with aging infrastructure and frequent delays" and has never turned a profit.
Amtrak's future
Amtrak could be brought in a different direction if Musk's wishes comes true. The company is the nation's largest high-speed rail provider, and privatizing it "could have a huge impact on the technology's future," said Newsweek. Such an effort "could prompt investment and improve services for passengers," a spokesperson for AmeriStarRail, a company considering a private sector investment with Amtrak, said to Newsweek. AmeriStarRail and other "private-sector investors recognize a significant opportunity to grow ridership, revenue and profits," the spokesperson said.
However, while Trump and Musk lament over Amtrak, the company seems to be heading in the right direction, at least on paper. During the 2024 fiscal year, Amtrak said it saw an all-time ridership record of 23.8 million people. This represented a 15% boost from 2023. Ticket revenue also reached $2.5 billion, a "first in Amtrak's history and 9% higher year-over-year." It also dropped its losses 9% to $705.2 million. And while "profitability is not Amtrak's objective," according to the company itself, Amtrak expects to make a profit sometime during the next four years.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
How often should you check your credit report?
The explainer Contrary to what you might expect, your credit report does not contain your credit score. But it does offer a lot of other valuable information.
-
Sick 9/11 responders are being left behind amid federal spending battle
The Explainer Services have been cut and restored following outcry, but staffing issues remain
-
TV to watch in May, including 'The Four Seasons' and 'Duster'
The Week Recommends A comedy from Tina Fey, a '70s crime thriller from J.J. Abrams and an adaptation from the pages of Judy Blume
-
Trump moves to gut PBS and NPR in latest salvo against the media
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The president's executive order targeting two of the nation's largest public broadcasters comes as the White House seeks to radically reframe how Americans get their news
-
Kamala Harris steps back on center stage
IN THE SPOTLIGHT In her first major speech since Donald Trump took office, the former presidential candidate took solid aim at this administration as speculation grows about her future
-
Trump's crypto 'sea change' upends Washington's finances
In the Spotlight By embracing digital currency, the White House is clearing a path for a new era in dubious self-enrichment
-
Kevin Warsh: the man who could replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair
In the Spotlight Powell's term ends in 2026, and President Donald Trump will likely replace him
-
Nayib Bukele: the Salvadoran ally in Trump's deportation machine
In the Spotlight El Salvador's popular strongman rose to power promising to make his country safe
-
Elon Musk has his 'legion.' How will Republicans encourage other Americans to have babies?
Today's Big Question The pronatalist movement finds itself in power
-
Musk vows DOGE pullback as Tesla profits plunge
Speed Read The Tesla SEO says he will soon step back from government matters to devote more time to the company
-
Conspiracy theorists circle again following RFK file release
The Explainer Both RFK and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, have been the subjects of conspiracies