Illinois Secretary of State Criticizes Federal Moves on CDL Grants and Issuances

Giannoulias says federal actions disrupt trucking, supply chains, and the agriculture industry in Illinois

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has criticized the Trump administration for attempting to cut a $3.6 million federal grant meant to improve road safety and for imposing new restrictions on commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for non-domiciled citizens. The grant supports studies to prevent truck and bus crashes, reduce exam fraud, and translate CDL materials into Spanish. Federal limits on non-domiciled CDLs have forced Illinois and 24 other states to pause issuing and renewing licenses, disrupting trucking, supply chains, and the agriculture industry.

Why it matters

The restrictions on non-domiciled CDLs come at a time of rising demand for fast delivery, causing concern among farmers and trucking groups who say the delays threaten operations, raise costs, and create uncertainty for workers and businesses in Illinois and across the country.

The details

The $3.6 million federal grant that the Trump administration is attempting to cut supports important safety initiatives, including studies to prevent truck and bus crashes, reduce exam fraud, and translate CDL materials into Spanish. The new federal limits on non-domiciled CDLs have forced Illinois and 24 other states to pause issuing and renewing licenses, disrupting the trucking industry, supply chains, and the agriculture industry in the state.

  • The Trump administration is attempting to cut the $3.6 million federal grant.
  • Federal limits on non-domiciled CDLs have forced Illinois and 24 other states to pause issuing and renewing licenses.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

The Illinois Secretary of State who has criticized the federal actions.

Trump administration

The federal government under the Trump presidency that is attempting to cut the $3.6 million grant and impose new restrictions on non-domiciled CDLs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Litigation over the federal rule on non-domiciled CDLs is expected to continue.

The takeaway

The federal actions to cut funding for road safety initiatives and restrict non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses are disrupting the trucking industry, supply chains, and the agriculture industry in Illinois, raising concerns about the impact on workers, businesses, and the broader economy.