Thu Feb 20 13:16:05 UTC 2025: ## Trump Declares Himself “King,” Threatens New York City’s Congestion Pricing Program

**New York, NY** – A dramatic escalation in the conflict over New York City’s congestion pricing program has seen President Donald Trump declare himself “king” following his administration’s efforts to dismantle the initiative. The announcement, made on Truth Social and amplified by official White House accounts including a mock Time magazine cover depicting Trump crowned, has sparked outrage and legal challenges.

Trump’s declaration, which included the phrase “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”, follows a letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Duffy cited objections to the program, calling it “backwards and unfair,” and outlining plans for its termination.

Governor Hochul swiftly rejected Trump’s claim to kingship, stating, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. We’ll see you in court.” She highlighted the program’s success in reducing congestion and improving commute times, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s assertions. Hochul further emphasized New York’s resistance to authoritarianism, vowing, “New York hasn’t laboured under a king in over 250 years, and we are not – we sure as hell are not going to start now.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has filed a lawsuit against Duffy and federal transportation officials, alleging the administration’s actions are unlawful and politically motivated. This legal challenge is one of several facing the Trump administration, which has been accused of broader efforts to undermine court orders and create a constitutional crisis. Trump’s actions follow a previous statement, also shared on White House social media, claiming that “he who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”

The clash over congestion pricing has become a significant test of federal-state relations and underscores growing concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to governance. The legal battle promises to be protracted and could have significant implications for the future of public transit funding in New York City.

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