Hochul Pushes Back as Trump Declares NYC Toll Plan “Dead” \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ New York Gov. Kathy Hochul met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to argue for Manhattan’s congestion toll plan, which federal officials ordered to halt last week. Trump declared victory after blocking the program, which imposes a $9 fee on vehicles entering Midtown, calling it a “slap in the face” to working Americans. Hochul fired back, saying New York will not bow to a king and vowed that tolls will continue pending a lawsuit filed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The meeting also touched on immigration, infrastructure, and energy policy, as tensions between New York and the Trump administration continue to escalate.
NYC Congestion Toll Battle Quick Looks
- Hochul Meets With Trump: Gov. Kathy Hochul defended NYC’s congestion toll plan in an Oval Office meeting after Trump’s administration ordered a halt to the program.
- Trump Declares Victory: After blocking the tolls, Trump celebrated on social media, posting “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD” alongside an image of himself wearing a crown.
- Tolls Still in Effect—For Now: Despite the federal ruling, the $9 congestion fee remains in place as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fights in court to keep the program alive.
- Federal Justification: Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called the tolls “a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners.”
- Hochul Fires Back: She rejected Trump’s “king” claims, stating, “New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years.”
- Lawsuit Pending: The MTA is suing the federal government, arguing that Trump’s decision lacks legal justification.
- Broader Political Feud: The congestion pricing fight is just one of many clashes between New York officials and the Trump administration, which also includes disputes over immigration policies and federal funding cuts.
- What’s Next? The legal battle will determine whether the congestion tolls continue or are permanently blocked, with state lawmakers considering alternative options to keep the program running.
Deep Look
The battle over New York City’s congestion pricing plan reached the Oval Office on Friday, as Governor Kathy Hochul met with President Donald Trump in a high-stakes discussion about the controversial toll program.
The hour-long meeting was part of Hochul’s effort to save the policy, which the Trump administration ordered to halt last week. Hochul presented Trump with a booklet of data showing the early success of the toll system, which was designed to thin Manhattan traffic, reduce pollution, and fund public transit.
However, Trump has celebrated the program’s suspension, calling it a win for New York commuters. Following the administration’s decision, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
The White House even released an image of Trump wearing a crown, standing before the New York City skyline, underscoring his determination to end the program.
Trump’s Move to Block Congestion Pricing
The congestion toll program, which began on January 5, imposes a $9 fee on most vehicles entering Manhattan south of Central Park. The plan, developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), was intended to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and provide new funding for public transit improvements.
However, the Trump administration abruptly rescinded its federal approval on Wednesday, halting further implementation of the plan. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy justified the decision, stating:
“This policy is a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners.”
The move immediately sparked outrage among New York officials, who argue that congestion pricing is essential to reducing gridlock in the city’s core.
Hochul Fires Back: “New York Hasn’t Labored Under a King in 250 Years”
Hochul, responding to Trump’s “king” comment, held a press conference at Grand Central Terminal, one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs.
“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years,” Hochul said. “We sure as hell are not going to start now.”
She vowed that, despite the federal ruling, the congestion tolls would remain in place while a lawsuit filed by the MTA moves through the courts.
For now, drivers are still paying the $9 congestion fee, and city officials are actively fighting Trump’s decision.
A Larger Political War Between New York and the Trump Administration
The congestion pricing fight is only one of several battles between New York officials and the Trump administration.
- Hochul has criticized Trump’s Justice Department for attempting to drop a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams.
- Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, recently sued Hochul over a New York law that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, calling it a “direct challenge to federal immigration enforcement.”
- Trump aide Elon Musk sparked another controversy when his Department of Government Efficiency cut federal reimbursements to New York City for housing migrants, leading to a clawback of $80 million and the firing of four federal employees.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued the Trump administration over multiple issues, including Trump’s attempt to freeze federal funds and Musk’s access to Americans’ sensitive financial data.
The congestion pricing issue has now become another battleground in the wider fight between Trump’s administration and Democratic-led states like New York.
Why Is Congestion Pricing So Controversial?
The congestion toll plan has been deeply divisive among New Yorkers and commuters from surrounding areas.
- Supporters argue that it will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and generate billions of dollars for public transit upgrades.
- Opponents—particularly suburban commuters and small business owners—argue that it places an unfair burden on drivers, raises costs for businesses, and disproportionately affects those without easy subway access.
Under the Biden administration, the congestion pricing program cleared federal environmental review and was expected to move forward smoothly. But with Trump now in office, his team is working to reverse the policy, framing it as an anti-business tax on working-class Americans.
What Happens Next?
With Trump and Hochul deeply divided, the fate of the congestion pricing program hinges on several factors:
- The MTA Lawsuit: New York’s state-run transit authority has filed a lawsuit to challenge the administration’s decision, arguing that Trump’s move lacks legal justification.
- State-Level Workarounds: If the federal government refuses to allow congestion pricing, New York lawmakers may attempt to implement a state-led version of the toll that bypasses federal oversight.
- Congressional Pushback: Democratic lawmakers are expected to challenge Trump’s rollback, framing it as an attempt to override local governance.
- The 2026 New York Governor’s Race: With congestion pricing now a hot-button issue, it could play a role in Hochul’s re-election campaign, especially among voters in the suburbs who oppose the tolls.
For now, New York officials insist they will continue collecting congestion tolls—but the political and legal battle over the future of the plan is far from over.
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