Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner is stepping down after Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk called for the transit service to be privatized.
Gardner, 49, said he stepped down “to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.” Meanwhile, the Amtrak board said they “look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Duffy as we build the world-class passenger rail system this country deserves.”
Gardner had served in the role since 2022.
Amtrak, also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is the national passenger rail service for the U.S. It is nationally chartered, meaning the federal government is the majority stockholder. It also means Amtrak board members are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The rail service operates in 46 states, two Canadian provinces and Washington D.C. Amtrak set an all-time ridership record last year, servicing more than 32 million customers.
Musk called for Amtrak to be privatized, alongside the United States Postal Service, earlier this month.
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