Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has formally aligned with the MTA and the State of New York in a legal battle to preserve congestion pricing, signaling a political and legal rift with the Trump administration. This move contrasts sharply with Adams’ previous reluctance to challenge President Trump, revealing the complex balancing act of city leadership amid federal opposition.
Adams Administration Enters Legal Fight Over Congestion Pricing
City Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration
On April 19, 2025, the New York City Department of Transportation joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York State in a lawsuit defending the city’s congestion pricing program. The legal action, originally initiated by the MTA with Governor Kathy Hochul’s support in February, targets the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the initiative.
MTA Reaffirms Commitment to Tolling Program
Transit Authority Rejects Federal Arguments
The MTA emphasized the united front formed by state and city agencies. John J. McCarthy, the MTA’s chief of policy and external relations, stated that the legal case reaffirms that congestion pricing is firmly in place and criticized arguments from Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as lacking merit.
Political Tensions Over Congestion Pricing Intensify
Adams’ Stance Conflicts with Earlier Neutrality
Mayor Adams’ involvement in the lawsuit is notable given his previous hesitance to criticize President Trump, especially after the Department of Justice dismissed federal corruption charges against him. His public comments on congestion pricing have been cautious, despite the ongoing legal and political battle between Trump and Hochul.
Adams’ Legal Team Quietly Supports MTA
City Files in Support, Mayor Silent Publicly
The City of New York’s legal support was made public through a memo submitted by the city’s corporation counsel, as reported by Gothamist. However, Mayor Adams’ office has not commented on the filing, and his administration’s communications remain muted on the matter.
Political Strategy: Adams Walks a Fine Line
Adams’ Reelection Strategy Shapes His Actions
Having declared his intention to run for reelection as an independent, Adams appears to be carefully navigating his political alliances. He has advised his team against openly criticizing Trump, and reports suggest a growing closeness between the two figures as Adams distances himself from traditional Democratic platforms.
Trump’s Direct Challenge to Congestion Pricing
President’s Post Sparks Legal Response
President Trump publicly declared the end of congestion pricing in a social media post, claiming the move would save New York City. The lawsuit counters this claim, stating the federal administration lacks the legal authority to unilaterally dismantle a state-mandated program without court intervention.
Federal Threats and Public Transit Funding
DOT Secretary Duffy Increases Pressure
Despite the lawsuit, Secretary Duffy recently joined Adams for a subway tour and publicly urged improvements in subway safety. He also warned that failure to address these concerns could jeopardize federal funding for the MTA, adding another layer of tension to the city-federal relationship.
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