President Trump has disclosed a secret plan to undermine congestion pricing in Manhattan. In an exclusive interview with The Post, he revealed his intention to pressure New York to scrap the toll by leveraging the federal Department of Transportation. The plan includes potential penalties such as withholding funding and revisiting the environmental review process that approved the toll under the previous administration. Additionally, Trump expressed his determination to eliminate bike lanes and address criminal activity in New York City.
Trump expressed his hope for a mutually beneficial resolution with Governor Hochul regarding the contentious congestion pricing policy. Refraining from divulging specifics of their discussions, he emphasized his respect for the governor. The President believes that through his influence and discussions with Hochul, they can reach an agreement to eliminate the unpopular toll.
Trump criticized the toll as detrimental to New York, emphasizing its negative impact on traffic and business in the city. He argued that the focus should be on enhancing safety and cleanliness in the subway system, highlighting incidents of violence targeting subway riders. Trump believes that addressing safety concerns and removing bike lanes are essential steps in alleviating congestion and improving pedestrian safety in New York City.
As congestion pricing continues to be a divisive issue, Trump aims to use his authority to address the toll and its impact on the city. He has underscored the importance of reaching a resolution that benefits New Yorkers and addresses the challenges posed by the toll and related infrastructure changes.
The initiative advocating for legislation mandating the registration and insurance of electronic bikes and scooters is gaining momentum. Dubbed as Priscilla’s Law in honor of Priscilla Loke, who tragically lost her life due to an e-bike incident in Chinatown back in 2023, this push aims to enhance safety measures and accountability within the emerging mode of transportation sector.
Furthermore, adding to the discourse, President Trump has issued a stark warning directed at New York, suggesting that the state may find itself in the sights of his Justice Department due to its adherence to “sanctuary city” policies. These policies allegedly impede the administration’s efforts to deport criminal illegal immigrants, prompting Trump to express readiness to take legal action against New York if necessary. He criticized sanctuary cities, claiming that they are supported solely by corrupt politicians and asserting that the general populace does not harbor a desire for such protections for criminal elements.
In a parallel development, the Department of Justice recently initiated a lawsuit against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed border czar, condemned sanctuary cities as providing refuge for criminals, underscoring the administration’s firm stance on combating what they perceive as non-compliance with immigration laws at the local level.
