Newsom Announces Completed High-Speed Rail to French Laundry

The $120 billion project took 6 more years and $90 billion over initial estimates.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Governor Gavin Newsom announced the completion of a high-speed rail project connecting his home directly to the French Laundry restaurant, despite the project taking 6 more years and costing $90 billion over initial estimates. Newsom defended the costs, saying the ability to quickly access the restaurant's delicious cuisine was worth every penny of taxpayer money.

Why it matters

The project highlights concerns over government overspending and mismanagement of major infrastructure projects, as well as questions about whether public funds should be used to provide private transportation access for government officials.

The details

The rail project, initially projected to cost $30 billion and be completed by 2020, ended up costing $120 billion and taking 6 additional years. Newsom defended the overruns, saying the ability to quickly access the French Laundry's "delicious mushroom bisque" and "tender filet with chimichurri sauce" was worth the additional taxpayer expense.

  • The project was initially projected to be done in 2020.
  • Construction on the high-speed rail was completed in 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who announced the completed high-speed rail project connecting his home to the French Laundry restaurant.

French Laundry

An upscale restaurant in California that the high-speed rail project was built to provide Newsom with quick access to.

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What they’re saying

“Take that, haters. Everyone laughed when we spent the first $30 billion and ten years later still hadn't laid any track. Well who's laughing now? ME. I'm laughing, because I can walk right out my door and in just two minutes be at the French Laundry having the most delicious mushroom bisque you've ever tasted. You're welcome, California.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor

“Have you ever tried the filet at the French Laundry? It's so tender, and the chimichurri sauce, just wow. It was worth every penny of taxpayer money.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor

What’s next

Newsom has announced that no one else will be allowed to ride the high-speed rail except for him and anyone confirmed to be on staff at the French Laundry.

The takeaway

This project highlights concerns over government overspending and mismanagement of major infrastructure projects, as well as questions about whether public funds should be used to provide private transportation access for government officials to access exclusive dining establishments.