New Yorkers struggling with soaring costs just got some relief after President Donald Trump’s administration scrapped New York City’s congestion pricing plan, eliminating a toll that would have hit drivers entering Manhattan. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who backed the program, responded with outrage and is now threatening legal action to bring it back.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered the news to Hochul in a letter, explaining that the toll unfairly targeted working-class commuters and small businesses. The program, which charged drivers $9 just to enter the city’s Central Business District, was met with widespread criticism from business owners and residents.

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“New York commuters have already paid for these highways through gas taxes and other fees,” Duffy wrote. “Charging them again just to drive into Manhattan is backwards and unfair.” He also pointed out that businesses relying on customers from neighboring states would have been hit particularly hard.

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Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate the decision, writing, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD… LONG LIVE THE KING!” His comment immediately drew backlash from Hochul, who fired back with, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.”

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The MTA, which had expected to collect billions from the toll, announced that it had filed a lawsuit to challenge the administration’s decision. Hochul insists the toll revenue was necessary for public transit, but critics argue that the plan was just another tax on working people.

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Despite the political fight, many New Yorkers are relieved to see the tolls go. The program, which had been in effect for only a few weeks, was deeply unpopular among small business owners and residents who rely on their vehicles to get to work. With Trump standing firm against Hochul’s plan, the battle over congestion pricing is now headed to the courts.

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