Speaking to The New York Post, Trump revealed he is ready to use the full weight of the federal government to force changes in the Empire State. The strategy involves leveraging the Department of Transportation (DOT) to withhold millions in funding and unleashing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue the state over its refusal to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
“KILL IT OFF IN WASHINGTON”
At the center of Trump’s target list is the deeply unpopular $9 congestion toll for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. While the toll went into effect last month, Trump expressed optimism that he can end it.
“I think it’s really horrible,” Trump said. “If I decide to do it, I will be able to kill it off in Washington through the Department of Transportation. It’s a lot of power.”
Trump warned that part of the $36 billion in federal transportation funding allocated to New York through 2026 is now at risk. He argued the toll is “destructive” to the city’s economy and business climate.
“Traffic is way down because people can’t come into Manhattan… People don’t know about it until they get the bill,” he noted.
Despite the threats, Trump maintained a tone of diplomacy regarding Governor Kathy Hochul, citing their “ongoing discussions” and his “respect” for her as reasons to hope for a mutual agreement to end the tax.
WAR ON BIKE LANES AND “THUGS”
Trump didn’t stop at tolls. He also took aim at the city’s infrastructure priorities, specifically the bike lanes and pedestrian islands that he says have made streets dangerous and congested.
“They should get rid of the bike lanes and the sidewalks in the middle of the street,” Trump declared. “They’re so bad. They’re dangerous. These [electric] bikes go at 20 miles an hour. They’re whacking people.”
Instead of “congestion cons,” Trump urged the city to focus on “safety and cleanliness” in the subway system, citing horrific cases of commuters being pushed onto tracks. “Cleanliness and efficiency are good, but they gotta get tough on the thugs. They can’t be nice,” he added.
SUING SANCTUARY CITIES
Perhaps the most serious warning was directed at New York’s “sanctuary city” policies. Following the DOJ’s recent lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago, Trump confirmed that New York is next on the list.
“We’ll have to” sue the state and NYC, Trump told The Post. “That’s a great thing to be suing over… New York doesn’t really want them. I don’t think anyone wants it. I think the only one who wants it are corrupt politicians.”
With Border Czar Tom Homan declaring that “sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals,” the message is clear: The federal government will no longer subsidize states that obstruct immigration enforcement. New York officials now face a stark choice: cooperate with the Trump administration or face financial and legal ruin.
