Washington:
A recent declaration by Donald Trump has raised doubts about his views on presidential authorities. In a statement on the Truth Society, Trump declared himself “king” after his administration’s efforts to dismantle New York City’s congestion pricing program. The program was designed to raise funds for the city’s aging mass transit system, and was the point of competition between the Trump administration and local governments.
“Crowded pricing is dead. All Manhattan and New York have been saved. The King’s longevity!” was further amplified by Trump’s announcement White House’s official X account. The account shared the cover of Mock Time Magazine featuring the crown and the cards decorated with the caption “Long Live the King.” In addition to the controversy, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budwich shared an AI-generated image of Trump wearing a crown and a stately cape.
“Crowd prices are dead. Everything in Manhattan and New York is being saved.
– Donald J. Trump Pic.twitter.com/President– Whitehouse (@Whitehouse) February 19, 2025
In a letter to New York Governor Gov. Kathy Hochul, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy expressed the president’s objection to the congestion pricing program, labeling it as “backward and unfair,” and replied, “Lawling.” “We met class Americans and small business owners.” Duffy insisted that federal officials will discuss plans with the state about “an orderly halting toll operations.”
Governor Hochul responded quickly, highlighting the importance of New York City’s public transport and its economic future. She highlighted the program’s success, saying that vehicle congestion “has been drastically reduced, allowing commuters to work faster than ever.” Hochur also took a jab in Trump’s monarchy declaration, saying, “We are a country of laws not ruled by the king. We will meet you in court.”
At a press conference, Hochul further rejected Trump’s claim, saying, “New York has not worked under the King for over 250 years, but we are not — we are not hell, hell won’t start now.” He said. She emphasized her history of urban resilience and her willingness to stand up to authoritarianism. “If you don’t know New Yorkers, when we’re fighting, we haven’t retreated, not now, not before,” she added.
Trump’s “king” declaration follows his previous statement shared on his White House X account that “the one who saves his country does not violate any law.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Agency sued Duffy and federal transport officials, claiming that the Trump administration’s attempt to end the congestion pricing program was illegal and motivated for political reasons. The lawsuit is just one of many challenges facing the Trump administration. This is accused of crafting court orders and attempting to ignite a constitutional crisis.
