President Donald Trump could force New York City to abandon its newly implemented congestion pricing tolls by using federal powers, including the potential to withhold funding through the Department of Transportation, according to a statement he shared with The New York Post.
Trump’s plan, which would also potentially involve revisiting the environmental review process that authorized the toll under the Biden administration, aims to halt the $9 charge on vehicles entering Manhattan during peak hours. The toll, which went into effect last month, is intended to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transit improvements – but Trump argued that it has negatively impacted businesses and worsened traffic problems in the city.
“I think it’s really horrible, but I want to discuss it with her at this point,” Trump said about his conversations with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “If I decide to do it, I will be able to kill it off in Washington through the Department of Transportation. It’s a lot of power.”
The toll’s future is now in question, with Trump pointing to the $36 billion in federal transportation funding New York stands to receive through 2026, which could be jeopardized if he pushes forward with his plan. Other federal grants could also be at risk, he warned, as the city grapples with what he labeled a “congestion con.”
Trump’s objections to the toll rest on its impact on both local business and traffic flow. The toll aims to reduce congestion, but Trump said the policy has instead pushed more people out of Manhattan, claiming that traffic has dropped as a result.
“Traffic is way down because people can’t come into Manhattan and it’s only going to get worse,” he said. “People don’t know about it until they get the bill.”
The president also turned his attention to the state of New York’s subway system, saying that state resources should prioritize improving safety and addressing rising concerns over crime. Citing reports of subway riders being pushed onto the tracks, Trump argued that New York should take stronger action against criminals.
“Cleanliness and efficiency are good, but they gotta get tough on the thugs. They can’t be nice,” Trump said, highlighting the need for more effective policing and oversight in the transit system.
Governor Hochul, meanwhile, has defended the toll as a solution to traffic problems and a way to generate necessary funding for public transportation. Yet Trump dismissed these claims, arguing that the decrease in traffic is not a success but rather an indication that fewer people are visiting the city.
“That’s because no one’s coming to the city,” he remarked.
Trump also criticized another growing aspect of the city’s infrastructure: its expanding network of bike lanes. The president argued that bike lanes, particularly those designated for electric bikes, have contributed to traffic congestion and posed a safety risk to pedestrians.
“They should get rid of the bike lanes and the sidewalks in the middle of the street,” Trump said. “They’re so bad. They’re dangerous. These [electric] bikes go at 20 miles an hour. They’re whacking people.”
In recent years, the city has seen a rise in pedestrian injuries, particularly from e-bikes and mopeds. Advocacy groups such as the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance have pushed for stricter regulations, including mandatory registration and insurance for e-bikes and scooters, to address these safety concerns.
Trump’s comments underscore the ongoing debate in the city over how to balance the promotion of alternative transportation with pedestrian safety. The recent death of Priscilla Loke, who was struck by an e-bike in Chinatown, has brought further attention to the issue, prompting calls for legislative action.
