Federal Judge Blocks Trump Retaliation Over New York $9 Congestion Toll

A federal judge in New York, Lewis Liman, has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from retaliating against New York by withholding federal funds or taking punitive actions over the Manhattan congestion toll program. The $9 daily toll, approved under the Biden administration, charges vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district and aims to reduce traffic congestion while funding critical transit infrastructure upgrades. The Trump administration, opposing the toll, rescinded federal approval in February and threatened to cut funding for transportation projects, prompting New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to file a lawsuit. Judge Liman ruled that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy lacked authority to terminate the program and emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and legal stability, calling the administration's reasoning arbitrary and capricious. New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA representatives, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for commuters and transit investment, emphasizing the need to maintain and improve the transit system. The court is expected to resolve the case swiftly, but the injunction will keep congestion pricing operational at least until June 9.