A federal judge has temporarily protected New York City’s congestion pricing program from the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle it. The ruling marks a legal victory for Governor Kathy Hochul and ensures the continuation of the tolls while broader legal issues are still pending. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between state infrastructure policies and federal executive authority.
Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Halting NYC Congestion Pricing
A U.S. federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing President Donald Trump’s administration from immediately dismantling New York City’s congestion pricing program. The decision came after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy declared the program lacked proper federal approval and threatened New York with loss of funding for infrastructure projects.
The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, is seen as a significant win for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), allowing tolling to continue at least through June 9.
Federal-State Conflict Over Urban Transportation Policy
The Trump administration’s efforts to reverse previously approved congestion pricing plans have ignited a legal battle over federal authority and executive power. Secretary Duffy’s threats to withhold federal project approvals unless the state ends the tolling system prompted immediate legal action from New York officials.
Governor Hochul refused to comply without a court order and called the federal approach “retaliatory.” She emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing traffic and investing in mass transit, framing the dispute as a defense of New York’s right to self-govern on public transportation matters.
Legal Arguments and Judicial Response
During the court proceedings, the MTA’s legal team, led by attorney Roberta Kaplan, argued that the federal government’s attempt to revoke the Biden-era approval of congestion pricing was unlawful and destabilizing. Kaplan referenced conservative-leaning Supreme Court decisions to support her case, asserting that even recent limits on administrative authority still empower courts to halt executive overreach.
Judge Liman appeared skeptical of the Trump administration’s justification for pulling support, questioning the legality of rescinding approvals based on a change in political leadership. His restraining order indicates a preliminary finding that the MTA is likely to prevail in its broader legal challenge.
Trump’s Political Messaging and Public Reaction
President Trump, known for his direct and dramatic messaging, had declared the end of congestion pricing in a February social media post, likening himself to a king who had “saved Manhattan.” Despite such rhetoric, the judge’s decision has temporarily neutralized his administration’s immediate actions against New York.
Federal officials indicated they would comply with the court order, though litigation is expected to continue, with the judge pushing for a quick resolution on the underlying legal issues.
Implications for Federal Transportation Authority
This case could set a significant precedent for future disputes between state governments and presidential administrations over transportation policy. If the court ultimately rules in favor of New York, it may limit the ability of presidents to unilaterally reverse infrastructure decisions made by previous administrations.
The issue also raises broader concerns about the consistency of federal policy and the need for legal safeguards against politically motivated shifts in public infrastructure strategy.
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