A discussion on Fox Business News about California’s high-speed rail project included an offhand remark from a host, casually throwing shade at the “Gateway To Yosemite.”

On a recent episode of The Big Money Show, the hosts discussed plans by President Donald Trump’s administration to terminate $4 billion in federal grants for the rail project.

Envisioned as a rail line that would connect San Francisco to Los Angeles, construction of the first segment of the project in the San Joaquin Valley is ongoing.

Merced will be the northernmost station on that first segment, which will extend 171 miles to Bakersfield in the south.

When the discussion veered to destinations the rail line would reach, host Brian Brenberg sarcastically asked “Merced? Who wants to go to Merced?” Brenberg made the remark at the 3:20 mark in the below video.

Show’s Co-Host Grew Up in Merced

Ironically, The Big Money Show is co-hosted by Taylor Riggs, who grew up in Merced.

Riggs did seem to make an effort during the somewhat jovial discussion to defend her hometown, particularly after co-host Dagen McDowell looked at her, saying, “It was scaled back to operate between two destinations that nobody travels to. I love you, but Merced is not San Fran.”

“It’s the Gateway to Yosemite, you guys,” Riggs responded.

Although Riggs’ co-hosts may not have much appreciation for Merced, she has spoken very positively about her hometown in the past.

In 2023, Riggs told the Merced County Times she loves coming from a small town “that helped raise me with a good head on my shoulders and focused on family and faith.”

“That foundation helped me succeed in a big city, which can be overwhelming and feel like you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off at times. I think I bring an important perspective of having lived in both worlds,” she added.

Merced leaders have previously said California’s high-speed rail project would be a game changer for the city, since building a station would likely bring millions of dollars in investment and jobs.

Plus, the station would draw thousands of commuters who will ultimately spend money in the region.

Merced’s station is expected to feature connections to Amtrak San Joaquins and Altamont Commuter Express Rail trains all in one place. The station would be located in downtown Merced, bordered by 15th and 16th Streets and O and R Streets.

HSR Authority Sues Feds

In response to the Trump administration’s canceling of the $4 billion, Gov. Gavin Newsom has said the High-Speed Rail Authority is suing the federal government.

“Trump’s termination of federal grants for California high-speed rail reeks of politics. It’s yet another political stunt to punish California,” Newsom said in a news release.

“In reality, this is just a heartless attack on the Central Valley that will put real jobs and livelihoods on the line. We’re suing to stop Trump from derailing America’s only high-speed rail actively under construction.”

Ever since California voters approved a $9.9 billion bond measure in 2008 to build high-speed rail, the project has been beset by numerous delays and lawsuits, plus ever-ballooning costs.

The Fresno Bee in January reported the intial 2008 projection of $33 billion to build the 520-mile route from San Francisco to Los Angeles has skyrocketed to $128 billion.

The Bee also reported the first segment of high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield will launch no earlier than 2030 and perhaps as late as 2033.

About the Author

Victor Patton is managing editor of The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative.

About The Merced FOCUS

The Merced FOCUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom covering Merced and the San Joaquin Valley.