Trump Declares Himself ‘King’ After Opposing Manhattan’s Congestion Pricing Plan
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to declare himself the savior of Manhattan drivers, posting “LONG LIVE THE KING!” after voicing opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan.
The toll program, which took effect on January 5, charges most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, with the revenue intended to fund public transit improvements. The policy targets high-traffic areas, including Times Square and the Empire State Building, in an effort to reduce congestion and pollution.
Trump Administration Pushes Back on NYC Toll Plan
Sean Duffy, Trump’s nominee for Transportation Secretary, formally expressed the administration’s opposition in a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, arguing that the tolls unfairly burden commuters and businesses.
Trump’s public opposition to the plan aligns with his broader political messaging, appealing to drivers and businesses frustrated by rising costs. His declaration of victory, however, comes without clear action to actually block the program, which remains in place.
Congestion Pricing Sparks Political Debate
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) argues that the tolls will reduce traffic congestion, cut emissions, and generate billions for public transit upgrades. Critics, including Trump, claim the plan is a financial burden on working-class commuters and a threat to tourism and local businesses.
As the debate over congestion pricing continues, Trump’s self-proclaimed royal title adds another layer of political spectacle to an already heated policy fight.
