Gov. Hochul responds to Trump admin effort to remove NYC congestion pricing

• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded Wednesday to the Trump administration’s decision to rescind approval of New York City’s congestion pricing system. She said, “We do not back down, not now, not ever.”
• The Metro Transit Authority filed a lawsuit against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in an effort to keep the program.
• President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, “Congestion pricing is dead.”

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, D, responded to the Trump administration’s efforts to end New York City’s congestion pricing. In a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 19, Hochul announced the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) filed a lawsuit minutes after receiving a letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who said his department revoked federal approval for the controversial program, which took effect last month.

“I don’t care if you love congestion pricing or hate it,” Hochul said. “This is an attack on our sovereign identity, our independence from Washington.” 

What was the goal of congestion pricing?

The congestion pricing program was designed to raise millions in critical infrastructure funding by charging most drivers a $9 toll to enter Manhattan’s main business district during peak hours.

Transportation officials say the program already had positive effects, including reduced traffic and faster travel times.

Duffy said in his letter that every American should be able to access the city regardless of their economic means.

Trump vs. Hochul on social media

Trump vowed to end the tolls soon after taking office, claiming they deterred visitors and business from the city.

He posted to Truth Social on Wednesday, “Congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan, and all of New York, is saved. Long live the king.”

Hochul responded to Trump with a post to X ahead of her news conference, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.”

We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. pic.twitter.com/PikwB5OwnM

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 19, 2025

The White House then posted to X a Time magazine cover mockup showing the president wearing a crown.

"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"
–President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/IMr4tq0sMB

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2025

Who supports the Trump administration’s decision?

Some New York City leaders are commending the Trump administration for working to axe congestion pricing.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella thanked Trump and said the MTA should turn off toll readers immediately, which Hochul said they would not do at the news conference.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, D, also thanked Trump in a statement.

“The current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.

Duffy’s letter did not specify a date for ending the program.

The MTA will now move forward with the lawsuit against Duffy as it tries to keep congestion pricing in the Big Apple.