Trump Declares Victory Over NYC’s Congestion Pricing, Calls Himself “King”

Former President Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate the federal government’s decision to halt New York City’s congestion pricing program.

The program, designed to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan and generate revenue for public transportation, had been a topic of heated debate. Trump’s triumphant declaration on X (formerly Twitter) sparked widespread discussion:

“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
—President Donald J. Trump

The End of Congestion Pricing

New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which was set to take effect in mid-2024, would have charged vehicles a toll of around $9 to enter Manhattan’s central business district. The plan aimed to reduce gridlock, lower pollution, and generate billions of dollars for the city’s public transportation system.

However, its opponents, including business owners, commuters, and now Trump himself, argued that it placed an unfair financial burden on working-class residents.

The federal government, under Trump’s influence, announced its decision to halt the program on February 19, 2025. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy justified the move, calling congestion pricing “a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small businesses.”

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

Trump’s proclamation of victory and his self-styled title of “king” drew mixed reactions. His supporters hailed the decision as a win for New Yorkers, especially suburban commuters who would have been disproportionately affected by the toll. Many took to social media to express their support, with one user posting:

“Finally, someone is standing up for hard-working Americans who are already overtaxed. Thank you, President Trump!”

However, critics slammed the decision as politically motivated and damaging to New York’s transit system. Governor Kathy Hochul strongly opposed the federal interference, firing back at Trump’s monarchical rhetoric:

“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell are not going to start now.”

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which had planned to use the toll revenue to fund much-needed subway and bus improvements, filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the move was unlawful and detrimental to the city’s economy.

The Broader Implications

Beyond New York, the battle over congestion pricing reflects deeper ideological divisions about urban policy and government intervention. Many environmental advocates and urban planners argue that congestion pricing has successfully reduced traffic in cities like London and Stockholm, making streets safer and cleaner.

Historians also weighed in on Trump’s declaration of kingship, reminding the public that America’s Founding Fathers deliberately rejected monarchical rule in favor of democracy. As one TIME Magazine article put it:

“The Constitution was designed to prevent exactly this kind of centralized, unchecked power. The U.S. was never meant to have a king—elected or otherwise.”

What Comes Next?

With legal battles looming and the future of New York’s transportation funding now uncertain, the congestion pricing debate is far from over. While Trump and his allies celebrate their victory, city officials and transit advocates are preparing to fight back.

The outcome of this dispute will set a precedent for future urban policy decisions across the country. But for now, one thing is clear—Trump has once again positioned himself at the center of a national controversy, leaving both his critics and supporters wondering: what will he declare victory over next?