Trump Blocks Hochul’s Plan To Charge Drivers, NYC Commuters Celebrate

A controversial plan that would have charged drivers a $9 toll to enter Manhattan’s busiest areas has been struck down by the Trump administration, triggering outrage from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The program, designed to raise revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was terminated Tuesday after federal officials ruled it unfairly burdened commuters and businesses.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed Hochul of the decision in a letter, explaining that federal law generally prohibits tolling on highways funded by taxpayers. He criticized the plan as an unnecessary financial strain on working-class New Yorkers and small business owners.

The tolls, which went into effect in early January, were widely opposed by residents who commute to the city for work. Many argued that they were already paying enough in gas taxes, and adding another fee was unfair. Businesses that rely on customers from neighboring states also expressed concerns that the tolls would drive away visitors.

Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate, posting, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD… LONG LIVE THE KING!” Hochul quickly responded with outrage, stating, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.” She later announced that the MTA had filed a lawsuit to reinstate the fees.

Hochul’s administration insists the program was needed to fund public transportation, but critics saw it as yet another tax on middle-class workers. The Biden administration had previously allowed the plan to move forward by making an exception to federal tolling restrictions, a decision the Trump administration reversed.

With the toll program now on hold, New Yorkers commuting into Manhattan will no longer face the added costs, though Hochul’s legal challenge could determine whether the fees return.

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