Trump Pledges to End Congestion Pricing

By Y.M. Lowy

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end the MTA’s congestion pricing program, which has faced strong criticism from Republicans. Last weekend, Trump met with lawmakers at Mar-a-Lago and repeated his opposition to the tolls. In May, he had already vowed on social media to “TERMINATE” the program if re-elected.

After the meeting, Rep. Mike Lawler posted on X, stating, “Trump reiterated his support for ending congestion pricing. We will get it done.” Lawler has been an outspoken critic of the tolls, describing them as a “scam” and a “money grab.” On X, he wrote, “Congestion pricing is an absurd cash grab—President Trump and NY Republicans are going to put a stop to it.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis also showed her support, sharing a selfie with Trump wearing a red hat that read “Trump Was Right About Everything.” She accused Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams of “treating New Yorkers like ATMs.”

Lawler urged Trump to use executive powers to cancel federal approval for the tolls. If that doesn’t work, he plans to push for new laws to block the program.