Amid a tense debate over New York City's congestion pricing, Governor Kathy Hochul and President Donald Trump met in the Oval Office to discuss the issue. Their conversation lasted over an hour, covering various topics, including the controversial $9 toll for entering Manhattan. A representative from Hochul's office described the meeting as a an open and honest discussion about New York's main priorities, with the Governor sharing a booklet on the tolling program's early success, according to CBS News New York.
Despite a federal order halting the program, Governor Hochul affirmed that the tolls would continue, backed by a lawsuit filed by the MTA. The issue escalated after the program's approval was revoked, and both sides made public statements about its significance. President Trump declared the program dead, stating, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED," followed by a self-congratulatory post on X, as reported by NBC New York.
"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2025
–President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/IMr4tq0sMB
Governor Hochul countered Trump's claims, saying, "Since this first-in-the-nation program took effect last month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever," in a statement obtained by CBS News New York. She emphasized benefits such as improved travel times and increased transit ridership, highlighting the program's positive impact beyond just reducing traffic.
The meeting also touched on issues like immigration policy, further straining relations. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit against New York's immigrant-friendly laws, including allowing driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. New York Attorney General Letitia James defended the state's stance, stating, "Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I am prepared to defend our laws, just as I always have," as per CBS News New York. At the same time, the DOJ's move to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams sparked controversy, raising suspicions of political motives.
