Donald Trump is under fire after calling himself a “king” on social media following his administration’s move to block New York City’s congestion pricing program.
The decision, which rescinded federal approval of the tolls meant to fund the city’s transit system, has sparked legal battles and political outrage.
On Wednesday, after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed New York Governor Kathy Hochul that the administration was terminating its approval of the congestion pricing program, Trump took to Truth Social, writing:
CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!
The White House responded by sharing a mock Time magazine cover featuring Trump wearing a golden crown against the New York City skyline.
This further fueled criticism of his self-comparison to a monarch.
Governor Hochul swiftly reacted, emphasizing the importance of public transit for New Yorkers. She stated:
We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.
She also announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had filed a lawsuit to fight the federal decision.
New York City Council member Justin Brannan echoed Hochul’s sentiment, condemning Trump’s move and highlighting concerns about political interference in city governance.
The MTA’s Legal Battle
The MTA wasted no time in fighting back. It filed a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the congestion pricing plan had already shown benefits by reducing traffic and improving travel times.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber called the administration’s move a “baseless effort” to undo progress.
The congestion pricing system, which imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, had been in place for just a month.
According to city officials, it had already led to a dramatic decrease in congestion and quicker commute times.
Trump’s self-proclaimed “king” status comes amid broader political controversies.
Just hours before his post, he escalated tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by calling him a “dictator.”
Additionally, he recently declared that “he who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” further igniting debates over presidential powers.
His administration has also moved to consolidate control over independent regulatory agencies, raising concerns about the separation of powers and executive overreach.
With the legal battle now in motion, the fate of congestion pricing remains uncertain.
New York officials are determined to fight Trump’s decision in court, while his supporters see the move as a victory against what they call an unfair tax on drivers.
For New Yorkers who rely on public transportation, the outcome of this fight could have lasting effects on the city’s transit system, traffic conditions, and economic future.
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.
