The Trump administration has officially revoked federal approval for New York City’s deeply unpopular congestion pricing program, effectively shutting down the plan that would have imposed a $9 daily toll on vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district.
Trump’s Move Protects Commuters and Small Businesses
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision, citing concerns over the financial burden on working-class Americans and small business owners, many of whom rely on vehicles for their livelihoods.
“Hardworking Americans already pay enough in gas taxes, tolls, and fees. This additional tax on drivers was unnecessary and unfair,” Duffy stated.
The congestion pricing plan, introduced in January 2025, aimed to reduce traffic and generate revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), but it quickly became a flashpoint for public outrage, with critics calling it a money grab that punished commuters.
MTA Fights Back, Sues to Reinstate the Toll
Following Trump’s decision, the MTA immediately filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that congestion pricing was vital for reducing gridlock and funding mass transit. MTA Chair Janno Lieber criticized the administration’s move as politically motivated and vowed to fight it in court.
“This decision ignores years of planning, legal approvals, and the clear benefits congestion pricing brings to New York City,” Lieber claimed.
Governor Hochul and Democrats Furious Over Reversal
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also lashed out at Trump, insisting that all federal requirements had been met before the toll was implemented. Hochul hinted at coordinating with Democratic leaders to challenge the administration’s authority over the matter.
Despite pushback from Democratic officials, New Yorkers overwhelmingly opposed the congestion pricing scheme, arguing it disproportionately hurt middle-class commuters, truckers, and essential workers—all while doing little to fix the MTA’s chronic mismanagement and financial waste.
Victory for Drivers, Major Setback for Left-Wing Tax Schemes
With Trump’s decisive action, the controversial toll program has been effectively dismantled, saving thousands of drivers from another costly tax. The move is a major blow to Hochul and New York Democrats, who had hoped congestion pricing would prop up the struggling MTA with billions in additional revenue.
While legal battles loom, Trump’s decision reaffirms his commitment to protecting working Americans from excessive taxation and government overreach—a stance that will likely resonate with voters heading into 2025 and beyond.