Staff Reports
In a recent turn of events that has all the makings of a modern-day political showdown, former President Donald Trump has done what many would call a civic duty by terminating New York City’s so-called congestion pricing plan. This scheme was nothing more than a highway robbery in disguise, slapping everyday residents with an outrageous $9 toll simply to enter Manhattan. It’s a shocking reminder of how out-of-touch some Democratic leaders can be with the average American, blissfully unaware of the working-class struggles in what they consider their concrete jungle.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wasted no time in notifying New York Governor Kathy Hochul that the days of extorting money from hardworking New Yorkers are over. His letter painted a clear picture: a large tax burden aimed squarely at small business owners and average commuters who already contribute through gas taxes and a multitude of other taxes. It’s hard to believe that in a state already loaded with taxes, Hochul thought she could get away with squeezing more cash out of entryways to one of the most iconic cities in the world. The high tolls were unfair, unnecessary, and downright exploitative.
NY Governor Kathy Hochul Furious After Trump Administration Pulls the Plug on Her Wildly Unpopular Toll Scheme: “We’ll see you in court,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. https://t.co/M32UHgQAFQ pic.twitter.com/6aJvZvArcp
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) February 20, 2025
Duffy minced no words when he pointed out the damage this program did to small businesses in New York, particularly those reliant on customers from nearby states like New Jersey and Connecticut. This congestion pricing plan wasn’t just a nuisance; it was a full-frontal assault on the lifeblood of the city’s economy. Americans, no matter their economic status, should have access to the vibrant culture and opportunities of New York City without being hit with exorbitant fees that only serve to enrich the government. Hochul’s tolls were not just unpopular; they were simply elitist, reserved for the wealthy while squeezing the average Joe.
Trump’s triumph in axing this program brought him to his social media podium, where he boldly declared “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD.” Some might view such proclamations as theatrical, but it’s tough to ignore that there’s a palpable sense of relief among those who were facing the prospect of financial penalties just to drive into the city. For every working-class American worrying about how much fuel they’ll spend just trying to get to work, Trump’s announcement felt like a burst of fresh air.
Of course, one cannot overlook Hochul’s reaction to this monumental decision. Responding like a scorned ruler, she lashed out on social media, proclaiming that America is a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. Ironically, Hochul’s heavy-handed approach to tolls can be likened to that of a monarch, imposing her will on the populace without empathy for the consequences. Instead of appreciating that Trump snatched the proverbial sword from her hands, she threatened legal action to preserve her regressive tolling regime. This may ultimately be a poor political strategy, especially with her re-election campaign on the horizon.
In a peculiarly refreshing twist, Trump stepping in to rescue New Yorkers may have just handed Hochul a lifeline she didn’t know she needed. If she were wise, she’d be sending a thank-you card to Mar-a-Lago, recognizing that her unpopularity has only intensified with a taxing plan that could have sparked outrage in even the most docile of citizens. Hochul might just have to rethink her approach if she hopes to retain the seat she currently occupies—not by fighting Trump in court, but by re-evaluating her policies that clearly do not reflect the will of the people.
