President Donald Trump’s administration has blocked New York City’s congestion pricing toll program, arguing that it unfairly burdens working-class commuters and businesses while exceeding federal legal authority. New York officials, however, claim the program is essential for reducing traffic congestion and funding mass transit.
Key Facts:
- The Trump administration, via U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, blocked New York City’s congestion pricing toll program.
- Duffy stated the program unfairly burdens working-class commuters and small businesses while benefiting the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) deemed the program unauthorized under the Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP).
- New York planned to toll drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street with no toll-free alternatives.
- New York City officials argue the program reduces congestion and benefits mass transit users.
The Rest of The Story:
The congestion pricing plan, approved by New York State and the Federal Highway Administration in November 2024, was set to impose tolls on drivers entering central Manhattan.
The stated goal was to reduce congestion and raise funds for the MTA.
However, the Trump administration argues the plan exceeds federal authority and unfairly targets working-class commuters and businesses reliant on vehicle access.
Duffy’s letter to Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that federal law does not permit tolling schemes that offer no toll-free alternative, making the program legally unsound.
Great news for all New Yorkers. Kathy Hochul’s Congestion Pricing scam has been halted! Huge sigh of relief for NY’ers just trying to get to work everyday. Thank you President Trump and U.S. Dept. Of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. pic.twitter.com/ppECynEptk
— Liz Joy (@LizLemeryJoy) February 19, 2025
He also noted that its primary purpose seemed to be revenue generation rather than traffic control.
New York officials, including MTA Chair Janno Lieber, have vowed to challenge the federal decision in court, arguing that the plan has already proven effective in easing congestion.
In response to the Trump administration illegally reversing approval of congestion pricing, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/dV01qvzfyF
— Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander (@NYCComptroller) February 19, 2025
President Trump posted on Truth Social, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Donald Trump announces the death of “congestion pricing” in New York: pic.twitter.com/PADYabe1HM
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) February 19, 2025
Trump was clearly mocking the protesters at the “No Kings Day” event in New York City days earlier.
From the anti-Trump, anti musk protest in New York City yesterday.
I was going to clip certain sections, but it must be watched in its entirety.
I say this without judgment, but with actual sympathy: these people are mentally ill.
Here is a lady carrying a “stop the steal”… pic.twitter.com/eO3g5l3OsI
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) February 19, 2025
The king reference mocked the “No Kings Day” protest held in New York City Sunday.
Commentary:
New York already has the highest tax burden in the country, yet the state constantly seeks new ways to extract more money from workers and businesses.
Instead of responsibly managing their budget, officials turn to tolls, taxes, and fees that disproportionately impact working-class commuters who have no choice but to drive into the city.
The congestion pricing scheme is just another example of New York’s financial mismanagement.
The argument that this plan is about traffic reduction falls apart when considering that it leaves no alternative for many drivers.
Those who need to enter the city for work, deliveries, or medical appointments face unavoidable tolls, meaning this is more about revenue than relief.
The added costs will trickle down to consumers as businesses pass on expenses, making goods and services more expensive for everyone.
New York City’s roads and transit system are in poor shape, but this toll won’t fix the root problem—out-of-control spending.
Billions have been wasted on unnecessary projects and politically motivated initiatives rather than on infrastructure.
The MTA has a long history of mismanaging funds, and giving them more money without oversight only encourages further waste.
Traffic congestion is a real issue, but punishing workers and businesses is not the solution.
Effective traffic management requires smarter planning, not another tax disguised as policy.
Trump’s decision to block this scheme protects everyday Americans from yet another government cash grab.
The Bottom Line:
The Trump administration’s decision to halt New York’s congestion pricing toll is a victory for working-class commuters and businesses.
The plan would have added financial strain on those who rely on driving into the city while failing to address deeper infrastructure and spending issues.
Instead of taxing workers further, New York should focus on fiscal responsibility and smarter transportation solutions.
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