Donald Trump’s recent declaration on Truth Social, where he referred to himself as “king,” has sparked controversy regarding presidential authority. This statement coincided with his administration’s actions to dismantle New York City’s congestion pricing program, aimed at funding the mass transit system. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the program as “backwards” and a disservice to working-class Americans. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul defended the program, emphasizing its economic benefits and asserting that the state is governed by laws, not a king. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has subsequently sued the federal government over this initiative, claiming it was unlawfully motivated.
Washington:
Donald Trump’s recent statement has sparked debate regarding his perspective on presidential power. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared himself “king” following his administration’s efforts to eliminate New York City’s congestion pricing initiative. This program, aimed at generating revenue for the city’s ageing mass transit system, has been a contentious issue between Trump’s administration and local officials.
In his announcement, Trump stated, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” This was further promoted by the official White House X account, which shared a satirical Time magazine cover featuring Trump with a crown and the phrase “long live the king.” The controversy was heightened by a post from White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, who circulated an AI-created image of Trump in a crown and royal cape.
“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
–President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/IMr4tq0sMB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2025
In correspondence to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy articulated the president’s opposition to the congestion pricing program, branding it “backwards and unfair,” and described it as a “slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners.” Duffy asserted that federal officials would confer with the state to discuss plans for the “orderly cessation of toll operations.”
Governor Hochul promptly countered, underscoring the significance of public transit for New York City and its economic prospects. She pointed to the program’s achievements, stating vehicle congestion has “dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever” since its launch. Hochul also criticized Trump’s royal assertion, affirming, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. We’ll see you in court.”
During a press briefing, Hochul further dismissed Trump’s remarks, asserting, “New York hasn’t laboured under a king in over 250 years, and we are not – we sure as hell are not going to start now.” She reiterated the city’s resilient history and its readiness to resist authoritarianism. “In case you don’t know New Yorkers, when we’re in a fight, we don’t back down, not now, not ever,” she declared.
Trump’s “king” proclamation follows his prior assertion that “he who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” a comment also disseminated by White House X accounts.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has filed a lawsuit against Duffy and federal transportation officials, contending that the Trump administration’s move to dissolve the congestion pricing program was illegal and politically motivated. This lawsuit represents just one of the many challenges confronting Trump’s administration, which has faced accusations of trying to undermine court orders and instigate a constitutional crisis.