Story perspectives

Illinois Secretary of State Under Fire for Illegal Licenses

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias faces scrutiny for issuing potentially thousands of illegal commercial driver licenses (CDLs).
An audit by the Trump Transportation Department found that 1-in-5 licenses were issued improperly, often to individuals without lawful presence.
Giannoulias received over $300,000 in donations from the trucking industry and claims federal demands harm the state's economy.
The audit follows fatal accidents involving illegal immigrant drivers with improper licenses, prompting threats to withdraw federal funding until states correct licensing processes.

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Story summary

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias faces scrutiny for issuing potentially thousands of illegal commercial driver licenses (CDLs).
An audit by the Trump Transportation Department found that 1-in-5 licenses were issued improperly, often to individuals without lawful presence.
Giannoulias received over $300,000 in donations from the trucking industry and claims federal demands harm the state's economy.
The audit follows fatal accidents involving illegal immigrant drivers with improper licenses, prompting threats to withdraw federal funding until states correct licensing processes.