New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed outrage after President Donald Trump killed federal approval of the congestion toll pricing in New York City.
Hochul held a press conference on Wednesday following President Trump’s announcement that he planned to kill New York’s congestion pricing.
READ ALSO: NYC’s $9 Congestion Toll to Reduce Traffic Sparks Controversy
An email sent from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Gov. Kathy Hochul called the toll, “a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners.”
However, Gov. Hochul took issue with Trump jokingly calling himself “The King” in a post on his Truth Social App.
“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD,” Trump wrote. “Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Gov. Hochul responded, “I’m here to say, New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years — and we sure as hell are not gonna start now!”
“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” Hochul said. “We’ll see you in court.”
WATCH: NY Gov. Hochul is TRIGGERED the Trump admin. is trying to stop the state from charging people to drive.
"New York hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years! We sure as hell are not going to start now." pic.twitter.com/Ax8J3Db0vY
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 19, 2025
Gov. Hochul’s legal counsel Brian Mahanna said toll pricing will remain in effect until the lawsuit works its way through the courts.
“We are seeking a declaratory judgment making clear that the congestion pricing program is fully authorized. Obviously that will take some time, but until a judge rules, these cameras are staying on, and we expect the judge to rule in our favor,” Mahanna said.
But New York City business owners complain that the toll will impact their livelihood. The toll costs motorists $9 a day to enter central Manhattan from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.
“We live here. We shouldn’t have to pay extra to move around,” one angry commuter told CBS Evening News in January.
