The Trump administration has taken steps to shut down New York City’s newly implemented congestion pricing program, which imposes tolls on vehicles entering certain parts of Manhattan to generate funds for the city’s aging transit system.

Federal officials argue that the program, which began last month, places an unfair financial strain on working-class residents. The administration claims jurisdiction over the highways leading into New York and has moved to rescind its prior approval of the tolling initiative.

President Trump celebrated the decision on social media, declaring, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”

However, New York state officials are pushing back, with Governor Kathy Hochul vowing to fight the move in court. “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” Hochul stated. “We’ll see you in court.”

Controversy Over the Toll Program

The congestion pricing plan requires drivers to pay a $9 (£7.15) toll when entering Manhattan between 60th Street and the southern tip of the island, covering the Financial District. The toll is enforced on weekdays from 5 AM to 9 PM and on weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Newly appointed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy formally informed Governor Hochul that the federal government was revoking its approval of the program. He criticised the tolls, calling them “a slap in the face to working-class Americans.”

“Commuters using these highways have already contributed to their construction and maintenance through gas taxes and other fees,” Duffy stated. “This tolling scheme forces them to pay again—this time to support a transit system instead of roads. It’s backward and unfair.”

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) swiftly responded by filing a legal motion to prevent the federal government from dismantling the program.

Hochul Slams Trump, Calls Move an Attack on State Rights

At a fiery press conference held in a New York City subway station, Governor Hochul accused Trump of interfering with state policies for political reasons.

“New York hasn’t been under the rule of a king for over 250 years, and we sure as hell won’t start now,” Hochul said. “This is about our sovereignty and our independence from Washington.”

She also referenced a post from the White House’s official X (formerly Twitter) account that featured an edited image of Trump wearing a crown, with the caption “Long Live the King.”

“We are not subjects of a monarch,” Hochul added. “This fight is about more than just congestion pricing—it’s about our right to govern ourselves.”

Supporters Say the Toll is Working

New York officials insist the congestion charge has already delivered positive results, reducing traffic by 9% in its first month. According to Hochul, traffic accidents have dropped by half, and more commuters are opting for public transportation, benefiting the city’s subways and buses.

Transit authorities argue that reducing congestion not only helps improve travel times but also allows emergency responders to reach incidents more quickly. Revenue generated from the tolls is earmarked for upgrades to the subway system, which has long struggled with maintenance issues, including severe flooding during heavy rains.

Support From New Jersey’s Governor

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been a vocal opponent of the program, urging Trump to review its impact on commuters from his state.

Following the administration’s decision to intervene, Murphy praised the move, calling the tolls an unfair financial burden on New Jersey residents who work in Manhattan.

“The current program pads the MTA’s budget at the expense of New Jersey commuters,” Murphy stated.

Legal Battle Looms

With the Trump administration moving to halt congestion pricing and New York officials determined to defend it, the issue appears headed for a courtroom showdown. The outcome could have significant implications not only for New York but also for other cities considering similar congestion tolling systems.