President Donald Trump hosted Gov. Kathy Hochul for a gathering within the Oval Workplace days after his administration revoked federal approval for New York Metropolis congestion pricing.
“On Friday afternoon, Governor Hochul met with President Trump within the Oval Workplace for greater than an hour. The Governor and the President had a frank, candid dialog about New York’s key priorities together with congestion pricing, immigration, infrastructure, financial improvement, vitality, offshore wind and nuclear energy. Governor Hochul additionally offered President Trump with a booklet on the early success of congestion pricing. We won’t remark additional about non-public conversations,” an announcement from the governor’s workplace to CBS Information stated.
President Trump goes after NYC congestion pricing
Mr. Trump stated he delivered on a promise to kill congestion pricing, however Hochul and the MTA vowed to continue collecting the tolls after its future was thrust into limbo. New York filed a lawsuit minutes after getting phrase the Trump administration revoked its approval.
Since January 5, drivers coming into Manhattan south of sixtieth Avenue have needed to pay $9 tolls throughout peak hours and a inexpensive toll in a single day. The MTA has pointed to early signs of the toll’s success, citing faster journey occasions in the Congestion Relief Zone and better subway and bus ridership about one month into this system.
“Since this first-in-the-nation program took impact final month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are attending to work sooner than ever,” Hochul stated in response to the president. “Broadway exhibits are promoting out and foot visitors to native companies is spiking. Faculty buses are getting children to class on time, and yellow cab journeys elevated by 10%. Transit ridership is up, drivers are having a greater expertise, and assist for this program is rising day-after-day.”
Immigration enforcement combat in New York
The Trump administration has additionally taken goal at New York on one other entrance, because the Justice Division introduced it’s suing the Empire State over its immigration enforcement.
“We’re taking steps to guard People,” Legal professional Common Pam Bondi stated, including that “New York has chosen to prioritize unlawful aliens over Americans.”
In an announcement to CBS Information New York in response to the lawsuit, New York Legal professional Common Letitia James stated: “Our state legal guidelines, together with the Inexperienced Gentle regulation, shield the rights of all New Yorkers and hold our communities secure. I’m ready to defend our legal guidelines, simply as I at all times have.”
DOJ additionally filed to drop corruption prices against Mayor Eric Adams, elevating suspicion it might be in return for his cooperation with federal immigration officials.
The mayor denies allegations of wrongdoing in his legal case and any quid pro quo with the White Home.