Fight over NYC Congestion Pricing Continues as Feds, MTA Face Off in Court

The Trump administration and Metropolitan Transportation Authority argue over the future of New York's controversial toll program.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The federal government and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) faced off in court on Wednesday over the future of New York City's congestion pricing program. The Trump administration has tried unsuccessfully to force the state to scrap the first-in-the-nation program, which charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. A judge temporarily blocked the feds' effort to halt the tolls, which launched in 2025 and are set to rise to $15 by 2031. Both sides presented arguments in court, with the judge expected to issue a ruling later in writing.

Why it matters

The fight over congestion pricing in New York City has become a high-stakes political battle, with the Trump administration trying to stop the program that the MTA says has already reduced vehicle traffic and air pollution in the city. The outcome of the court case could have major implications for the future of transportation and infrastructure funding in the region.

The details

The Trump administration, led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has threatened to withhold federal funding and approvals for New York projects if the congestion pricing toll is not eliminated. However, the tolls have remained in place since launching in January 2025, despite the administration's efforts to stop them. Opponents of the program have called it a 'cash grab' for the MTA, while supporters cite data showing it has reduced vehicle traffic and air pollution.

  • The congestion pricing program launched in January 2025.
  • The tolls are set to rise to $15 by 2031.
  • In May, a judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's effort to force New York to scrap the program.
  • The latest court hearing took place on January 28, 2026.

The players

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The agency that operates New York City's public transportation system and is responsible for implementing the congestion pricing program.

Trump Administration

The federal government under former President Donald Trump, which has tried to stop New York's congestion pricing scheme.

Judge Lewis Liman

The Manhattan federal judge presiding over the court case between the Trump administration and the MTA.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary appointed by former President Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funding from New York if the congestion pricing toll is not eliminated.

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What they’re saying

“Congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan, and all of New York, is saved. Long Live The King!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The judge is expected to issue a written ruling on the future of New York's congestion pricing program in the coming days.

The takeaway

The battle over congestion pricing in New York City has become a high-stakes political fight, with the Trump administration trying to stop a program that the MTA says has already delivered benefits in terms of reduced traffic and pollution. The outcome of the court case could have major implications for transportation and infrastructure funding in the region.