Trump Administration Appeals Court Ruling on NYC Congestion Pricing

The U.S. Department of Justice filed an intent to appeal a March 2026 federal court ruling that prevented the Trump administration from ending New York City's congestion pricing program. The case has moved to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit after a district court found the administration's actions were an abuse of discretion.

Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, previously attempted to withdraw federal approval for the tolls, arguing that the pilot project's scope exceeded congressional authority. However, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that the move was arbitrary and capricious, stating that administrative agencies cannot make decisions affecting the public based on sudden whims.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues to defend the program, noting that toll revenue is used to back a $15 billion bond issuance for capital projects. While the U.S. Department of Transportation has dismissed the tolls as a Green New Scam that restricts access to federally funded roads, the MTA maintains that the system reduces pollution and congestion.