Amtrak CEO Resigns Amid Privatization Threats

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s CEO, has stepped down, citing the need for the company to maintain the current administration’s confidence amid threats of privatization.

Gardner’s departure, effective immediately, follows increasing pressure from the White House, with both Donald Trump and Elon Musk advocating for the privatization of the national rail service.

In his statement, Gardner emphasized his commitment to Amtrak’s success and the importance of aligning with the administration’s goals. “I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration,” he stated.

Gardner’s background includes extensive experience with rail transport. Before becoming CEO in 2022, he served as Amtrak’s chief operating and commercial officer, beginning in 2009, and then as president starting in 2020. Earlier in his career, he worked for Maine Central Railroad and even founded a punk band named after a railway.

The Trump administration has been critical of Amtrak. During his first term, Trump attempted to slash the railway’s federal funding. More recently, billions in support were caught in a federal funding freeze. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also urged Amtrak to eliminate DEI programs and enforce return-to-office policies.

Elon Musk has publicly criticized Amtrak. Earlier this month, Musk called Amtrak “kind of embarrassing,” suggesting it and the Postal Service should be privatized. “If you’re coming from another country, please don’t use our national rail. It can leave you with a very bad impression of America,” Musk said.

Gardner’s exit comes after a year of record ridership for Amtrak, driven by route expansions aimed at serving an additional 40 million people.

The potential impact of privatization remains a topic of debate. Critics point to the limited progress of Musk’s Boring Company, which has struggled to deliver on its high-speed transit promises, as a cautionary tale.

Tags: Amtrak, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Privatization, Transportation