Donald Trump’s recent statement has restarted discussions about presidential authority. After his presidency dismantled New York City’s congestion pricing scheme, Trump declared himself “king” of Truth Social. Planned to create money for the deteriorating public transportation system of NYC, the effort has been a hot point of contention between Trump’s administration and local officials.
The Strong Announcement of Trump and Official White House Answer
Trump’s statement went up on Truth Social as follows: “CONGESTION PRICING IS KILLED.” Manhattan, in addition to all of New York, is SAVED. The official X account of the White House posted a satirical Time magazine cover showing Trump wearing a crown with the caption “Long live the king,” further emphasizing this statement.
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Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff, uploaded an AI-created photo of Trump dressed in royal garb, further stoking the argument. Calling it “backward and unjust” and a “slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners,” Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, in an official letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, criticized the congestion pricing scheme. He also stated that federal authorities would collaborate with the state to “orderly cease toll operations.”
Governor Hochul Opposes NULL
Emphasizing the need for public transportation for the economic development of NYC, Governor Hochul sharply rebuked Trump’s statements. She noted that “vehicle congestion has dropped significantly, and commuters are arriving at work faster than ever since the start of the congestion pricing plan.”
Hochul said, mocking Trump’s self-proclaiming monarchy, “We are a country of laws, not governed by a king.” She promised during a press conference to further deny Trump’s statement and said, “New York hasn’t labored under a king in more than 250 years, and we aren’t going to start now.” She solemnly promised that “when New Yorkers are in a fight, we don’t back down— not now, not ever.” We’ll meet you in court.”
Legal Fight Regarding Congestion Pricing
After Trump’s chosen, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) sued Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and federal employees, contending the administration’s effort to end the scheme was illegally and politically motivated. The case adds to increasing legal opposition against the Trump administration, with opponents claiming it violates court orders and subverts constitutional values.
Law and Political Consequences
Trump’s “king” proclamation matches his previously polarizing comment: “He who saves his country does not violate any law,” also disseminated by White House X profiles. The contentious legal fight concerning congestion pricing highlights more general worries regarding executive authority and constitutional conflict potential as Trump advances his policies.
