Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Trump Threatens Chicago Transit Funding After Fire Attack
President Trump's administration is threatening to stop giving money to Chicago's public transportation system unless the city makes it safer.
This comes after a man named Lawrence Reed set a woman named Bethany MaGee on fire on a train.
Reed had a long history of crimes, including assault and arson.
The administration says the attack shows there are big problems with safety and leadership in Chicago.
They also recently stopped giving money to other projects in Chicago and New York.
The mayor and governor of Illinois have been critical of Trump's policies.
President Trump's administration threatened to pull federal funding for Chicago's transit system unless safety measures are improved.
A man named Lawrence Reed set a woman, Bethany MaGee, on fire on a commuter train on November 17, 2023.
Reed had a long criminal history, including assault and arson charges, and was on electronic monitoring at the time of the attack.
The Federal Transit Authority demanded an updated safety plan from Chicago by December 19, 2023.
The administration has also withheld $2.1 billion for Chicago infrastructure projects and $18 billion for New York, citing concerns about race-based contracting.
- Who
- President Donald Trump's administration, Chicago Transit Authority, Bethany MaGee, Lawrence Reed
- What
- Threat to pull federal funding for Chicago transit after a woman was set on fire on a commuter train
- When
- The attack occurred on November 17, 2023; the funding threat was issued on December 19, 2023
- Where
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Why
- The administration demands improved security measures following the attack
- Victim
- Bethany MaGee, 26
- Attacker
- Lawrence Reed, 50
- Date of Attack
- November 17, 2023
- Charges Against Reed
- Terrorist attack (maximum sentence: life)
- Federal Transit Authority Deadline
- December 19, 2023
- Withheld Chicago Infrastructure Funding
- $2.1 billion
- Withheld New York Infrastructure Funding
- $18 billion