States have issued potentially illegal Commercial Driver’s Licenses to thousands of foreign truck drivers, raising serious safety concerns.
Story Overview
- 194,000 CDLs potentially issued to foreign drivers
- English language standards set by DOT possibly not met
- Safety and legal implications under scrutiny
- Sean Duffy highlights the issue
CDLs Issued Without Proper Checks
States across the United States have come under scrutiny for potentially issuing around 194,000 Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to foreign truck drivers. These licenses may have been issued without ensuring the drivers meet English language standards mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This revelation was brought to light by Secretary Sean Duffy, who has raised concerns about the implications on road safety and legal compliance. This issue could have far-reaching consequences for both the trucking industry and public safety.
We are suffering from the consequences of the Biden administration’s open border policies.⁰⁰A SUSPECTED TERRORIST from Uzbekistan should NEVER have been here, nonetheless been given a commercial trucking license! ⁰⁰Our NEW RULE would close the loopholes that allowed this… pic.twitter.com/aBwzUi5UZP
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 18, 2025
Impact on Road Safety
The potential issuance of CDLs to drivers not meeting English language requirements presents a significant safety risk. Drivers who cannot effectively communicate in English may struggle to understand road signs, emergency instructions, and communicate with law enforcement or other drivers. This language barrier poses a severe threat to road safety, increasing the likelihood of accidents and misunderstandings. The DOT’s standards are in place to ensure that all commercial drivers can operate safely and effectively on American roads.
Legal and Regulatory Concerns
Issuing CDLs without adhering to DOT standards not only jeopardizes safety but also raises legal and regulatory issues. States could face legal challenges for not complying with federal requirements, potentially leading to lawsuits or penalties. This situation also reflects a broader issue of regulatory oversight in the issuance of commercial licenses. Ensuring that all drivers meet the necessary qualifications is crucial for maintaining the integrity of transportation regulations and protecting public welfare.
Calls for Investigation and Reform
Sean Duffy’s revelation has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into how these licenses were issued. There is a growing demand for reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Stakeholders are urging for stricter oversight and enforcement of existing regulations. The trucking industry, vital to the American economy, must ensure that all drivers are properly vetted and qualified. Addressing these concerns is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of transportation networks.
Sources:
Sean Duffy: States Illegally Issued 194,000 Commercial Driver’s Licenses to Foreign Truckers
