Manhattan Congestion Charge Canceled... Trump Praises Himself, "Long Live the King"

Manhattan Congestion Toll Faces Abolition
Trump Vowed to End Policy During Presidential Campaign
White House Social Media Posts "Long Live the King" with Crown Image

The congestion toll policy implemented in Manhattan, New York, USA, since last month is on the verge of being abolished. On the 21st, Yonhap News, citing The New York Times (NYT), reported that "on the 19th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would abolish the 'congestion toll' in Manhattan, New York City, which Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State had implemented since the 5th of last month."

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launched a program on the 5th of last month that charges vehicles entering the downtown area south of 60th Street in Manhattan up to $9 (approximately 13,000 KRW). Governor Hochul, who promoted this policy, stated that the purpose was to alleviate excessive traffic congestion in Manhattan and prevent delays for emergency responders, but there was also opposition claiming it imposed a financial burden.

Notably, the area includes the 'Trump Tower' owned by President Trump. A native New Yorker, President Trump had declared during his presidential campaign that "if re-elected, he would immediately abolish the congestion toll." On that day, he posted on social media, "The congestion toll is dead. Manhattan and all of New York have been saved," adding, "Long live the king!" The White House's official social media account also posted an image of President Trump wearing a golden crown with the same phrase.

In the federal system of the United States, the 50 states are guaranteed their own legislative, judicial, and executive powers, enjoying a high degree of independence comparable to that of individual countries. Because of this, criticism has arisen that President Trump's actions excessively infringe upon the authority of the state government.

In response, Governor Hochul criticized, "The United States is not a country ruled by a 'king' but a nation governed by the rule of law." The MTA also plans to file a lawsuit opposing the federal government's order. Originally, the MTA had planned to issue bonds based on the revenue from the congestion toll to raise $15 billion (approximately 22 trillion KRW) and use the funds to repair aging subway lines and expand the public transportation system.