WASHINGTON — In the newest chapter of the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and state of New York over congestion pricing, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the federal government could block federal approval for highway projects if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority does not end the tolling program.
In a letter today to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul — which opens with the phrase “I write to warn you …” — Duffy says the state has until May 21 to show that it has either halted the tolling program or can show why it does not violate a federal statute prohibiting tolls on roads built with federal funds, unless given an exception. The Biden administration issued that exception last year, but Duffy announced it was being rescinded in February [see “New York MTA sues …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 19, 2025].
Otherwise, Duffy said, the federal government will not authorize any highway construction projects or provide environmental approvals for projects in Manhattan, and could expand that policy statewide if the state does not comply. Only “safety projects” would be excepted.
Duffy saved his most pointed comments for the press release publicizing the move, repeatedly calling the tolling program “illegal” and saying it “engages in class warfare and prices working-class Americans out of accessing New York City. …
“The federal government sends billions to New York — but we won’t foot the bill if Governor Hochul continues to implement an illegal toll to backfill the budget of New York’s failing transit system,” Duffy said in the release. The congestion tolling program supports MTA capital projects.
Rhetoric around the tolling program — which charges most drivers $9 to enter lower Manhattan — has been heated from the beginning. President Donald Trump, who had said during his campaign that he intended to kill the program, announced the program would be halted in a social media post, writing, “Manhattan, and all of New York is saved. Long live the king!” Hochul, responded then, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” in announcing the state would sue to preserve the program.
“Another day, another threatening letter from the Department of Transportation regarding our congestion pricing program,” Hochul said today in a brief video posted on social media. “Let me repeat this for those who didn’t hear us the first 10 or 11 times. Congestion pricing is legal. It’s working. Business is up. Traffic is down. And the cameras are staying on.”
MTA CEO Janno Lieber, in a statement, said the agency “received Secretary Duffy’s letter setting yet another new deadline and are evaluating MTA’s legal options, given that the legal issues raised in the letter are already appropriately before a federal judge.” Tolling will continue in the meantime, he said, “and New Yorkers continue to benefit … with less traffic, cleaner air, safer streets, and a stronger regional economy.”
Duffy has previously threatened to withhold funds from the MTA unless it detailed efforts to address rider and worker safety, although crime statistics have improved from a year ago [see “Citing crime concerns …,” News Wire, March 19, 2025].
“Long live the King”. That pretty much covers it. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid. This country is on the doorstep, if not already past the door, of becoming a dictatorship. If it looks like the Rs will take a beating in the 2026 midterms DJT, with the acquiesce of the SCOTUS, will cancel it. And if he is let to pull that off, forget about the 2028.
I agree with everything you said Mark. It’s interesting to see the MAGA trumpers on this site slowly melt into reality. And we’re not even 100 days into the orange idiot kings rule.
Yes, I’m on the let New York under states rights pursue a policy that will either be of benefit, not a benefit and or simply convince business and people to move on & away.
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Yes, Federal dollars and grants will always be in play and yes, each POTUS and admin will put its focus & stamp on where the money appropriated by Congress will go. That is why we have elections. To me the Transportation Secretary taking the bull by the horns on Northeast Rail projects to find cost savings is great and at the same time not sure why picking this battle other then pure power play.
Deadline keeps becoming a moving target. Wonder what the administration is waiting for? Is a certain person trying to find a legal way that SCOTUS will not torpedo?
If the “certain person” you are thinking of is the same “certain person” I assume you are talking about, I don’t think “legality” is an issue for that “certain person”.
This is a states rights issue and DOT should have no say over this. NY State should sue. Even if I were a member of the Trump cult and my eyes glossed over, I would probably say the same thing.
I agree. Looks and sounds like government by extortion.
Federal funding is how the federal government infringe on State Rights daily. It’s unconstitutional and against the principles of Federalism. But will continue nevertheless.
Remember the days when the Republican party (and conservatives in general) believed that it was best to let such decisions and policy be made at the state/local level.
Ten thumbs up, Neil. I have tried to make this same point of yours (above) each time TRAINS FORUM writes about the New York City tolling issue.
More lawsuits coming?