Trump administration terminates approval of New York's congestion pricing program

U.S. Department of Transportation Revokes New York City's Congestion Pricing Plan. 'LONG “LIVE THE KING!', says Trump on X.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has withdrawn its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, as stated in a letter sent to Governor Kathy Hochul.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a letter released by the department, informed the governor that the federal government was rescinding the green light granted to the program in November under the Biden administration.

Duffy explained that the initiative exceeded the scope of the “Value Pricing Pilot Program” authorized by Congress, arguing that its primary purpose appeared to be generating revenue for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) rather than reducing traffic congestion.

Duffy also stated that his department would collaborate with state officials to ensure an “orderly cessation” of the toll system. However, it remains uncertain when, or if, the federal government will succeed in halting congestion pricing altogether.

In response, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced that the agency had taken legal action to challenge the federal decision.

"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

“The MTA has filed in federal court to defend this highly effective program, which has significantly eased congestion, improved traffic flow, and enhanced bus and emergency vehicle speeds,” Lieber said in a statement. “It’s baffling that, after four years and thousands of pages of federally supervised environmental review, USDOT would abruptly reverse course just months after final approval.”

President Trump weighed in on the matter through a post on Truth Social, prompting a response from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who shared a “100” emoji from her official account.

Governor Hochul also reacted on social media, asserting that legal action would continue in the Southern District of New York. “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. The MTA is fighting to protect this essential program. See you in court,” she declared.

Hochul further accused the administration of overstepping its authority, stating, “New York has not been ruled by a king for over 250 years, and we are not about to start now.”

It remains unclear how long the legal battle will last or if congestion pricing will remain in place in the meantime. Both the governor’s legal team and MTA leadership have indicated that the tolls will continue until a federal judge orders otherwise.

Shortly after Trump’s statement, the official White House account posted an edited magazine cover depicting the president wearing a crown against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. The headline read: “LONG LIVE THE KING.”