Washington – The Trump administration warned the officials of Maryland on Friday that no contracts on the basis of sex and races to be awarded to the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
“Any dependence on racial or gender-conscious factors in contract decisions could introduce significant legal vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in the administration of the project,” said Sean Duffy Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday in a letter to Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
The secretary criticized the project's work plan and argued that Moore “had prioritized” breed and gender-specific requirements before the completion of the project “.
Democrats in the congress delegation in Maryland replied in a joint explanation and found that the bridge project was approved by the congress.
“As we have with other large infrastructure disasters with nationwide effects, the congress came together to provide the complete resources required for the reconstruction to ensure that it can be rebuilt as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said the legislator.
“The Federal Government's commitment to finance the reconstruction is passed in the law, and the construction contract was awarded by a legal, competitive and transparent procedure,” she added.
Moore didn't deal with Duffy's comments about sex and breed.
“We will continue to work with the Trump government to find ways to reduce the costs and to rebuild it faster,” said Governor Moore in an explanation. “The safety of the bridge and the solid stewardship of taxpayers – dollars remains our top priority because we completely restore economic vitality – not only at the port of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, but for people across the country.”
In addition to concerns about the hiring of practices, Duffy also questioned the budget of the reconstruction project.
“Dei contract practices and ballooning project costs are already threatening to delay this critical project,” said Duffy. “We will use our supervisory authorities to ensure that this vital bridge is correctly rebuilt.”
President Donald Trump said on social media last month that he may have to “rethink” the support of the federal bridge. He called Baltimore “Crime Ridede” and “Out of Control” and threatened to send national troops to the city, as he did in Los Angeles, Washington and Memphis.
Trump's warning against the bridge funds followed Moore's invitation to Trump to visit Baltimore or “to keep our name out of his mouth”.
The bridge collapsed in March 2024 after being hit by a ship. The demolition of the bridge started in July. After the reconstruction, the bridge is to be opened in autumn 2028.
By Mary Burke, Holliday Woodard and Peter Riccio
Capital message service