Trump's Congestion Toll Challenge Fails in Court

Federal Judge Blocks Trumps Attempt to Kill NYC Congestion Pricing Program

A federal judge in Manhattan has dealt a significant blow to President Trumps efforts to dismantle New York Citys congestion pricing program. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy lacks the authority to revoke the federal approval for the tolls, effectively blocking the Department of Transportations attempt to eliminate the program.

The congestion pricing plan, which charges drivers a base fee of nine dollars to enter Manhattan south of sixtieth Street, was approved under former President Joe Biden and began in early January 2025. The funds generated from the tolls are used to improve the mass transit system, with the MTA already receiving $562 million last year.

Trump had promised during his campaign to terminate the tolls if he returned to office. Last month, the White House sent in top lawyers to challenge the program in court, and Duffy even threatened to withhold federal funding from the MTA if they did not halt the fees.

However, the MTA fired back with a lawsuit, and Judge Liman sided with them, stating that the tolls are legal and will remain in place. This decision follows his earlier ruling that the feds cannot withhold funding from New York or the transit agency in retaliation.

MTA Chair Janno Lieber celebrated the win, noting that traffic is down, business is booming, and key investments are flowing into a system that serves millions daily. For now, congestion pricing looks set to stay, boosting New Yorks transit future.

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