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Trump Backs Push to Scrap NYC Congestion Pricing and Ease SALT Cap Burden
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a significant policy announcement, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for eliminating New York City’s controversial congestion pricing program and raising the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. Trump made the remarks during a Saturday night meeting with Republican members of New York’s House delegation at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, as reported by The New York Post.
The congestion pricing program, the first of its kind in the United States, imposes a phased-in $15 toll on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Introduced by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the measure took effect on January 3, following the resolution of multiple legal challenges. However, Trump has vowed to assist in overturning the program, which has been criticized by Republican lawmakers for placing an undue financial burden on New Yorkers.
“He wants to kill it,” said Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) to The New York Post after the meeting. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) echoed her statement, adding, “He did agree it’s got to go.” Both lawmakers indicated that they would collaborate with the incoming administration to determine how the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Trump could revoke the program’s authorization.
The decision has sparked renewed hope among opponents of the congestion tax, who argue that it disproportionately affects middle-class New Yorkers and suburban commuters. “The president understands the plight of New Yorkers who are being abused by our mayor and our governor, who treat them like ATMs,” Malliotakis said, according to The New York Post report.
In addition to opposing congestion pricing, Trump voiced his support for raising the SALT cap, a contentious issue that has long been a point of contention for residents in high-tax states like New York. The current $10,000 cap on SALT deductions, implemented as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has been criticized for disproportionately impacting taxpayers in states with high property taxes and income taxes.
“He’s fully on board with lifting the cap on SALT,” Rep. Lawler told The New York Post. Trump reportedly encouraged the delegation to identify a feasible number for the cap increase and build consensus within the House. Lawler emphasized that while completely lifting the cap may not be achievable, raising it would provide much-needed relief for New Yorkers burdened by high taxes.
“We need to work out what that number is going to be,” Malliotakis said, per The New York Post. She highlighted Trump’s understanding of the issue and his desire to alleviate the financial strain on New Yorkers, particularly those in suburban and urban areas heavily impacted by the SALT cap.
New York’s House Republicans are pushing for the SALT cap adjustment as part of a broader legislative package that includes renewing key provisions of Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislative initiative reflects a strategic effort to address longstanding concerns about tax burdens while reinforcing Trump’s economic legacy.
Trump’s comments come as Republicans in New York seek to balance the competing demands of tax reform and infrastructure funding. While proponents of congestion pricing argue that it generates essential revenue for public transit improvements, critics maintain that it unfairly penalizes drivers and suburban commuters, many of whom have limited alternatives to driving.
Efforts to dismantle the congestion pricing program may face significant legal and logistical hurdles. A federal judge recently dismissed a legal challenge aimed at halting the tolling plan, clearing the way for its implementation. However, Republican lawmakers, including Malliotakis and Lawler, are hopeful that the incoming administration’s FHWA could reverse the program’s authorization, effectively derailing the initiative.
As reported by The New York Post, Trump’s endorsement of these measures underscores his commitment to addressing the financial concerns of New Yorkers and pushing back against policies he views as burdensome or unjust. With the SALT cap adjustment and congestion pricing repeal on the legislative agenda, Trump’s administration is set to reshape the economic landscape for New York residents.
Trump’s willingness to tackle contentious issues such as congestion pricing and SALT deductions signals a proactive approach to addressing regional concerns. While legal challenges and political opposition may complicate these efforts, Trump’s support offers Republican lawmakers a powerful ally in their fight to ease financial burdens on New Yorkers. As Malliotakis noted to The New York Post, “We’re going to work through how his administration can do so.”
The next steps will require coordination between lawmakers, federal agencies, and the new administration to translate these promises into actionable policy changes. For New Yorkers feeling the pinch of high taxes and tolls, these efforts could mark a pivotal moment in the battle for economic relief.
