Trump Denounces New York City Congestion Pricing as a ‘Disaster,’ Demands Immediate Halt
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized New York City’s congestion pricing program on January 12, 2026, calling it a “disaster” and urging city officials to end the $9 toll imposed on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The program, which began in January 2025, aims to reduce traffic congestion and fund mass transit improvements but has drawn fierce opposition from Trump, who described the policy as “obviously foolish.”
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is a DISASTER for New York. It’s got to be ended, IMMEDIATELY! It’s never worked before, and it will never work now. I love New York, and hate to see it being destroyed so rapidly with such obviously foolish policy.”
The congestion pricing initiative utilizes electronic license plate readers to charge most drivers a $9 fee during peak periods when entering the central business district below 60th Street. New York City officials have maintained that the program has successfully decreased traffic volumes by approximately 8% to 13% in the designated zones, a figure that supports the city’s goal of easing gridlock and improving air quality.
Despite these reported gains, Trump’s opposition has been consistent since the program’s inception. He previously threatened to withhold federal funding from the city over the toll, arguing that the measure unfairly burdens drivers and harms local businesses. The U.S. Department of Transportation has publicly supported congestion pricing as a tool to manage urban traffic and fund transit infrastructure, aligning with policies seen in other major cities worldwide.
The city’s program is part of a broader national trend toward congestion pricing, a strategy endorsed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to mitigate urban traffic woes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New York’s implementation follows similar efforts in cities such as London and Stockholm, where congestion fees have led to measurable declines in traffic and improvements in public transit funding.
Critics of the program, including Trump, argue that the toll disproportionately affects commuters and small businesses, potentially driving economic activity away from Manhattan. Supporters counter that the revenue generated is critical for upgrading the city’s aging transit system, including subways and buses, which serve millions of riders daily.
The congestion pricing plan is overseen by the New York City Department of Transportation, which continues to monitor traffic patterns and adjust policies as needed. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted congestion pricing as an effective measure to reduce vehicle emissions in densely populated areas.
As debates over urban transportation policies intensify nationwide, New York City’s congestion pricing program remains a focal point of contention. Trump’s latest remarks underscore the political challenges facing efforts to balance environmental goals, urban mobility, and economic vitality in one of the country’s busiest metropolitan centers.
The city has not indicated any plans to reverse the congestion pricing scheme despite the criticism. Officials emphasize that the program’s early results demonstrate progress toward long-term sustainability and improved quality of life for residents and commuters alike.
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