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The Trump administration has halted $2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects, including transit system upgrades, citing concerns over race-based contracting. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced the hold, aligning with similar actions targeting Democratic-led cities and states. The Department of Transportation stated it issued a rule barring such contracting requirements, initiating a review of Chicago's Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Modernization projects. This move follows freezes on New York City infrastructure funding and cancellations of climate projects in Democratic-won states.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.