FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
AAF Uncovers Millions in Legal Spending by Minooka Officials to Sabotage Trump’s Agenda and American Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) has obtained new documents through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request revealing that the Village of Minooka, Illinois, has spent millions of taxpayer dollars since 2023 on high-priced legal firms to fight a rail project that would bring thousands of jobs to the region.
The project in question – funded by CN Railway and expected to boost economic growth in the region – would create approximately 600 construction jobs and over 6,500 permanent jobs once completed. It aligns directly with President Trump’s vision of rebuilding American manufacturing, revitalizing forgotten communities, and putting American workers first.
Yet instead of embracing this opportunity, Minooka officials have chosen to funnel taxpayer funds into a costly and fruitless legal battle – despite the project falling under federal jurisdiction and expected to move forward regardless due to federal preemption.
“Instead of putting their community first, Minooka leaders have chosen self-sabotage and political games,” said Tom Jones, President of the American Accountability Foundation. “The village is wasting millions of taxpayer dollars fighting President Trump’s pro-worker agenda, in doing so, preventing hardworking families from being a part of the American comeback story. Their disgraceful political games will only hurt the citizens they claim to represent.”
Illinois is notorious for consistently lagging behind its neighbors in economic growth, ranking second-to-last in regional job creation. At a time when the state desperately needs economic growth and jobs, the leadership in Minooka remains caught up in obstruction and corruption.