The Trump administration is taking steps to shut down New York City's congestion pricing plan, which charges vehicles entering certain areas of Manhattan to generate funds for transit improvements.
Federal officials argue that highways leading into the city fall under their jurisdiction, and they are revoking approval of the toll system due to concerns that it disproportionately impacts working-class residents.
President Trump declared the program dead on social media, stating, "Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"
New York, which introduced the program just last month, is pushing back, insisting it helps ease traffic congestion and improve travel times. Governor Kathy Hochul responded defiantly, saying, "We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. We'll see you in court."
The congestion pricing plan imposes a $9 (£7.15) toll on vehicles entering Manhattan from 60th Street down to the Financial District. It applies on weekdays from 5 AM to 9 PM and on weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy formally notified Gov. Hochul of the decision to rescind approval and halt the toll collection. He criticized the policy as unfair, arguing that commuters have already funded highway infrastructure through gas and other taxes, and the tolls leave them without a free alternative route.
New York officials immediately responded with legal action. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) filed a request for a court ruling to block the administration from ending the program.
During a heated press conference at a subway station, Gov. Hochul denounced the move as an attack on the state's autonomy. Holding up an image posted by the White House depicting Trump in a crown with the caption "long live the king," she declared, "New York hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell aren't starting now."
She defended the program’s impact, claiming it had reduced traffic by 9%, cut accidents in half, and increased public transportation usage in just one month. Transportation officials argue the plan helps first responders reach emergencies more efficiently and generates critical funding for the city's aging subway system, which has suffered from frequent flooding and infrastructure failures.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who had previously urged Trump to review the program, praised the decision to block it. He called the tolls an unfair financial strain on New Jersey commuters, stating they "line the MTA's pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans."
As the legal battle unfolds, New York officials vow to continue enforcing the tolls while fighting the Trump administration's decision in court.
