Hochul is BIG MAD at “King” Trump for Ending Congestion Pricing

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was furious after Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy sent correspondence to her notifying that the Trump administration will be ending NYC’s controversial congestion pricing plan. Gene Berardelli and Ross Galloway dive into Hochul’s heated press conference, her rhetoric against Trump, and the broader implications of the congestion pricing battle.

This news comes hot off the heels of the Department of Justice announcement that it was charging Hochul and New York with violating federal immigration laws.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Did the Federal Government End NYC Congestion Pricing?

Governor Hochul held a press conference at a subway station in New York City because, according to her, she received a letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation informed her of the plan’s termination. The four-page letter from Secretary Duffy notified her that the “cordon toll” pilot program agreement previously approved by the Biden administration was over. Duffy’s letter listed two reasons for the termination of NYC congestion pricing: the lack of any toll-free option for the congestion pricing zone, which includes all streets and roads south of 60th Street in Manhattan, and New York’s apparent breach of agreement for multiple statements claiming that the proceeds raised by the toll would fund public transportation rather than highway infrastructure.

Less than an hour after Hochul received Duffy’s letter, President Donald Trump posted, “Long live the King” on TruthSocial. Hochul later seized on the phrase, insisting that New York hasn’t lived under a king for over 250 years and won’t start now.

Did Hochul Hold a Press Conference or a Staged Rally?

During her press conference reacting to the end of congestion pricing, Hochul railed against President Trump to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd. To the hosts, Hochul’s press conference resembled less like organic support and more like a carefully curated crowd of supporters. From their own personal experience, Berardelli and Galloway posited that public officials like Hochul often “stack the deck” with supporters at such events to manufacture the appearance of broad approval—a tactic known as Astroturfing.

Federal Authority vs. States’ Rights

Hochul framed Trump’s repeal of approval for congestion pricing as an overreach by Washington, claiming it was an attack on New York’s sovereignty. However, it should be noted that congestion pricing impacts interstate commerce (specifically, commuters from New Jersey who travel to New York for work daily) and thus falls under federal jurisdiction. That is why Hochul and New York required federal approval to implement this congestion pricing scheme, which is a product of a pilot program administered under the Federal Highway Authority whereby it draws up an agreement with a state or locality outlining the parameters. Since the federal government had to approve NYC’s congestion pricing plan in the first place, they also have the authority to rescind it.

Alternatively, the federal government may have the ability to terminate the agreement for a breach caused by New York. Hochul stated at the press conference itself that the funds raised through congestion pricing would pay for improving public transportation infrastructure, which may not be proper if the material terms of the agreement intend for money to go towards roads and highways.

Rather than fixing existing problems within the MTA—such as rampant fare evasion, crime, and financial mismanagement—Hochul’s administration sought to impose additional tolls. Indeed, Hochul has seemed to be willfully blind to this issues, as evidenced by her tone-deaf remarks about a decline in subway violence amid a string of violent attacks.

Hochul’s Hypocritical Appeal to Trump

Most curiously, Hochul made a sudden appeal towards President Trump at the press conference as a fellow New Yorker, who should understand the necessity of public transit, to recognize that congestion pricing would help fellow New Yorkers both logistically and from a medical perspective. That’s quite a hypocritical standpoint given New York’s aggressive legal actions against Trump in recent years, including criminal prosecution and conviction.

Hochul’s Speech Lacked Substance

Hochul’s speech was more about political grandstanding than legitimate policy debate. She focused on symbolic language about “fighting kings” and state sovereignty rather than addressing any legal position in support of her arguments that the Trump administration’s repeal is illegal. A brief scan of the lawsuit filed in support of Hochul and New York reveals, among other things, claims of arbitrary and capricious administrative action by Duffy and USDOT, as well as violations of due process.

So, this matter will go to federal court and, surely to the Supreme Court in the future. Whether you support congestion pricing or oppose it. Let us know what you think: Is this about fighting congestion for Kathy Hochul? Or is this a money grab? Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this post and subscribe for more updates on politics and policy battles.