Brace yourselves, New Yorkers -- President Donald Trump is gearing up for another showdown with the Big Apple’s controversial congestion pricing scheme.

On Monday, Trump took to social media to reignite his longstanding battle against the tolling program, promising to push for its termination while state officials stand ready to defend it in court, as ABC7 reports.

This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted congestion pricing, a policy that charges drivers entering parts of Manhattan to fund transit improvements and reduce traffic. His latest salvo came via a post on Truth Social, where he expressed his intent to dismantle the initiative. It’s a policy he’s consistently opposed, even declaring it finished earlier this year.

Trump’s Latest Move Against Toll Program

In his Monday statement, Trump didn’t mince words, claiming the tolls have drained the life out of the city. He has called on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to scrutinize the program with an eye toward ending it.

“[I'm] asking Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to take what he calls, 'a good, long look at terminating' the program,” Trump posted on Truth Social. With all due respect to the president’s passion, one has to wonder if this “ghost town” narrative holds up when Manhattan’s streets are still buzzing, even if some wallets feel lighter.

Trump’s critique doesn’t stop at policy -- it’s personal for him. He’s argued that the fees are turning New York into a “ghost town,” a vivid image that might resonate with struggling small businesses but overlooks the program’s stated goal of funding much-needed transit upgrades.

Governor Hochul Fires Back

Not everyone’s buying Trump’s take, least of all Gov. Kathy Hochul, who was quick to respond on the same day. She’s made it clear that the state isn’t backing down without a fight.

“The Trump administration tried once before to kill congestion pricing and lost,” Hochul declared. “If they want to try again, we'll see them in Court. The cameras are staying on.”

Hochul’s sharp retort signals a readiness to dig in, legally and otherwise, to protect a program many see as critical for the city’s infrastructure. While her resolve is commendable, skeptics might ask if the state’s legal bills are worth the toll revenue. Is this really about transit, or just progressive posturing?

A History of Resistance to Trump

This isn’t a new clash -- Trump has been at odds with congestion pricing for some time. Back in February, he boldly stated the program was “dead,” though clearly, it’s still very much alive and collecting fees.

The city, state, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have consistently pushed back against his efforts to scrap the tolls. Their united front suggests a deep commitment to the policy, or perhaps just a stubborn refusal to let federal influence override local decisions.

From a conservative lens, it’s hard not to admire Trump’s persistence in challenging what many see as an overreaching tax on drivers. Yet, there’s a case to be made for local control -- shouldn’t New Yorkers decide how to manage their own traffic woes without federal overreach?

Weighing Costs Against Urban Needs

At the heart of this debate is whether congestion pricing delivers on its promises. Supporters argue that it is a lifeline for public transit, while critics like Trump see it as a burden on everyday folks just trying to get to work.

Looking at the broader picture, one can’t help but question if this policy disproportionately hits middle- and working-class drivers who lack the luxury of alternative commutes. It’s a fair concern, even if the environmental and transit benefits are worth considering with an open mind.

As this battle heads -- likely -- to the courtroom, New Yorkers are left in the middle, paying tolls while politicians spar. Trump’s push to end the program may resonate with those tired of government overreach, but Hochul’s defiance shows the state won’t roll over easily. Let’s hope the resolution prioritizes practical solutions over political point-scoring.