On Thursday, July 30, 2026, President Donald Trump officially launched the Freedom Haulers Initiative at the White House, an administration effort designed to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs while removing illegal immigrant commercial drivers from American roadways. Trump argued the initiative would enhance highway safety and create new employment opportunities for former service members.

Speaking alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and trucking industry leaders, Trump highlighted that the initiative streamlines the commercial driver's license (CDL) process for veterans with heavy vehicle experience gained during military service. Qualified veterans can apply to waive the CDL road-skills test, avoiding redundant training.

Trump stated that 34 states, including Indiana, Wyoming, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, and Maryland, have joined or are working to implement the Even Exchange Program, which is part of the initiative, and he called on the remaining states to participate.

The administration has reportedly removed over 24,000 non-English-speaking commercial drivers from behind the wheel and worked with states to cancel more than 28,000 commercial driver's licenses that were allegedly unlawfully issued to illegal immigrants.

Werner Enterprises President Nathan Meisgeier announced his company will hire 1,400 veterans over the next year as part of the Freedom Haulers Initiative, describing military veterans as a natural fit for the trucking industry.

Army veteran Ricky Washington, who transitioned into commercial trucking after three decades of service in the Army and Army National Guard, said the profession offers former service members another opportunity to serve the country.

Trump emphasized, "Today, we're taking action to get illegal alien truck drivers off the American roadways and replace them with proud American veterans," and added, "Let's put veterans in the seats, making jobs safer and better for all Americans." He also noted, "These are great-paying jobs. They're anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000-plus a year."

This initiative reflects the administration's focus on public safety and veteran workforce integration.

Sources