An op‑ed published on April 4, 2025, highlights a recent incident in which Amtrak apologized after stranding 110 passengers. The piece also details chronic mismanagement, including massive losses from employee theft and negligence, which the author argues is a misallocation of taxpayer funding.

Amtrak is initiating cost‐cutting measures, including potential reductions in its management team, in response to a politically charged environment. The decision follows the forced resignation of former CEO Stephen Gardner under pressure from the Trump administration and related proposals by Republican lawmakers and figures like Elon Musk calling for privatization. President Roger Harris has since assumed full executive duties, and the company has pushed back against privatization ideas, emphasizing its public service role.

The discussion over potential privatization of Amtrak has raised concerns about the erosion of public accountability and democratic oversight in a vital national service. Influential political figures, including Trump allies like Elon Musk, have weighed in on privatization, which may ultimately shift the company’s focus from public welfare to profit, thereby undermining equitable transportation and fueling authoritarian trends.

Amtrak Chief Executive Stephen Gardner resigned amid pressures to maintain support from President Trump, as indicated by his statement emphasizing the need to retain the administration's full confidence and the board's expressed desire to work closely with the Trump administration. This development highlights political interference in corporate leadership decisions.

Amtrak's CEO, Stephen Gardner, resigned on March 19 under pressure from the Trump administration amid discussions of privatization, with influential figures like Elon Musk criticizing the service. The move reflects the company’s susceptibility to external political influence and structural pressures that could undermine its public service mission.

The article criticizes proposed plans to privatize Amtrak, arguing that moving from a publicly accountable service to a profit-driven model would undermine democratic oversight, jeopardize labor rights, and degrade service quality for communities relying on affordable transportation.

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner resigned, stating his decision was made to ensure continued confidence from the Trump administration. This move has raised concerns over the company's willingness to capitulate to authoritarian government pressure, reflecting an executive political engagement that undermines independent oversight.

A federal district court ruled against Amtrak's motion for summary judgment in a case brought by Black employee Eloise Kroon, alleging that she was intentionally offered a low salary, raising serious concerns over the company's handling of racial equality and fair labor practices.

Amtrak's lobbying activities are highlighted in a recent profile by OpenSecrets. The data reveals substantial efforts in lobbying that raise concerns about the company's potential role in shaping policy in ways that might undermine democratic processes and contribute to an environment supportive of authoritarian practices.

Amtrak is reversing its progressive workplace policies by cutting funding for DEI initiatives and enforcing a strict in-office mandate, a move viewed as undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and potentially contributing to an authoritarian work environment.

An OpenSecrets report details Amtrak's political contributions in the 2024 cycle, noting contributions of $163,276 with no reported lobbying or outside spending. This limited engagement in political funding indicates a relatively low level of corporate political influence, reducing the risk of supporting authoritarian agendas.

Analysis of Amtrak's political contributions reveals a significant lean towards Democratic candidates, with 46 contributions totaling $16,339 compared to 9 contributions totaling $1,074 for Republican candidates. This alignment supports anti-fascist values by promoting funds toward candidates less associated with authoritarian practices.

Amtrak announced ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs following directives from the Trump administration. This decision, which was communicated via an internal email on February 6, 2025, marks a significant rollback of the company’s previously celebrated efforts in promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

An OpenSecrets profile for Amtrak indicates that the company has not reported lobbying on specific bills in 2024, suggesting limited direct political engagement through lobbying. This minimal activity is viewed as a neutral to positive indicator in avoiding backroom influence that could undermine democratic processes.

BLET members ratified a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement with Amtrak on December 6, 2023. The deal, approved by a 550-479 vote, includes significant improvements for locomotive engineers such as a 30% general wage increase, enhanced paid parental leave, increased away-from-home expenses, improved vacation arrangements, and additional benefits including adding Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday.

On June 5, 2023, approximately 550 IAM District 19 members at Amtrak ratified a historic seven‐year contract that brings significant wage increases, improved benefits including 10 weeks of paid parental leave, and enhanced protections for worker rights.

Amtrak reached a settlement agreement on April 4, 2023, after an employee, Matthew Daley, alleged intimidation, harassment, and bullying by his supervisor following an on-the-job injury. The settlement resolves claims under the Federal Railroad Safety Act and the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Amtrak's diversity report demonstrates a robust commitment to inclusion and fair labor practices by highlighting improvements in hiring practices, expanded benefits, and the strengthening of employee resource groups. This effort contributes to countering systemic discrimination and bolstering equitable treatment in the workplace.

Amtrak submitted its Fiscal Year 2023 General and Legislative Annual Report to Congress, proposing changes to funding policy including dual responsibility for expenditure plan development and the alleviation of local match requirements for grant programs, aiming to facilitate major national rail projects such as the South-of-the Lake Reroute.

Following an Amtrak disaster, rail firms — including Amtrak — escalated their lobbying efforts to secure a three-year delay for the implementation of Positive Train Control, raising concerns about public safety and accountability.

Amtrak settled an EEOC lawsuit by paying $171,483, raising the salary of a female human resources director, and agreeing to implement additional anti-discrimination measures. The settlement comes after allegations that the company engaged in a long‐standing pattern of sex-based wage discrimination and retaliation.