Hochul Defies Trump Deadline, Maintains NYC Congestion Pricing

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is in a standoff with the Trump administration over the state's congestion pricing program, which charges a $9 toll for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Despite a deadline imposed by Trump demanding the cessation of the tolls, Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have vowed to maintain the cameras and tolls, citing ongoing legal challenges. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy extended the deadline by 30 days while criticizing the tolling scheme as an unlawful infringement on states' rights. Hochul remains hopeful that discussions around the revamp of Penn Station may lead to a resolution with the Trump administration. The MTA argues that the program has successfully reduced traffic congestion since its implementation. The ongoing dispute has also sparked social media exchanges between state officials and federal representatives.