# California High-Speed Rail CEO Resigns Amid Scandals

> California's bullet train project CEO quits after $592,900 in unallowable consultant expenses.
- Title: California High-Speed Rail CEO Resigns Amid Scandals
- Summary: California's bullet train project CEO quits after $592,900 in unallowable consultant expenses. California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri resigned…
- Keywords: california high-speed rail, ian choudri, california high-speed rail authority, unallowable expenses, domestic violence, gavin newsom, xavier becerra, steve hilton, news, entertainment, California, High-Speed
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/29/us-news/ceo-of-california-high-speed-rail-agency-resigns-amid-financial-scandals
- Published: 2026-10-29T14:58:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california high-speed rail, ian choudri, california high-speed rail authority, unallowable expenses, domestic violence, gavin newsom, xavier becerra, steve hilton, news, entertainment
## California High-Speed Rail CEO Resigns
Ian Choudri resigned as chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority after a scandal involving unallowable consultant expenses.

> The boss of California’s doomed $231 billion bullet train project has thrown in the towel.
## Unallowable Expenses Reported
The rail authority paid $592,900 in unallowable expenses including rideshare trips to Tiki bars and an escape room.

> In another wacky turn, Choudri’s rail authority paid out $592,900 in "unallowable" expenses incurred by consultants, including rideshare trips to Tiki bars and an "escape room" and first-class flight upgrades, according to a bombshell Inspector General audit.
## Domestic Violence Allegations
Choudri took a leave of absence in February after allegedly intervening in a domestic dispute between his wife and daughter.

> Choudri took a leave of absence in February after he allegedly intervened in a domestic dispute between his wife and his daughter.
## Resignation Reason
Choudri stated he is resigning to focus on "important personal and family priorities."

> The rail authority’s chief said he is resigning to focus on "important personal and family priorities."
## Financial Scandals
The rail authority faced disciplinary action including possible termination for misspent money and a $25,000 bonus consideration.

> Officials with the board overseeing the project had been set to discuss whether Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 bonus based on his performance this year.
## Political Reactions
Governor Gavin Newsom's office and California's next governor candidate Xavier Becerra both criticized Choudri's leadership.

> The politician favored to be California’s next governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra, said he would have canned Choudri if he were elected.
## Project Status
The project is set to run out of money in 2027 without laying a single track and faces a $231 billion cost.

> Currently, the project is set to run out of money in 2027 without ever having laid a single piece of track.
## Key takeaway

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri resigned to focus on personal priorities after the agency paid $592,900 in unallowable consultant expenses.