The Photo Surfaces as Trump Administration Challenges New York’s Toll Plan
In a move that stirred up quite the controversy, former President Donald Trump made a bold declaration likening himself to royalty. This has sparked a lot of debate among critics regarding the nature of American governance—whether it’s veering towards a monarchy rather than remaining a democracy.
On February 19, Donald Trump, at 78, utilized his own social media platform, Truth Social, to assert: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
This declaration came in the wake of the Trump administration’s efforts to halt the New York City congestion pricing scheme—a plan intended to charge drivers entering certain parts of the city.
The White House, in their statement, argued that the federal government holds authority over the roadways leading to New York. The proposed toll was criticized as an ‘unfair burden’ on working-class residents, as reported by the BBC.
The 47th President’s remark was reposted by the official White House X page, accompanied by a caricature styled as if from TIME Magazine.
This illustration depicted Trump wearing a royal crown, with the caption ‘LONG LIVE THE KING’ appearing prominently.
A Stir on Social Media: Responses Pour In
The digitally crafted image triggered an avalanche of opinions across social media platforms.
One user on X remarked, “Isn’t the whole point of America even existing to not have a monarch?”
Another user added, “I thought that we lived in a Democracy, not a Monarchy.”
Recalling history, someone else commented, “We literally fought a revolution to NOT have a king,” referencing the American Revolution from 1765 to 1783.
The animated conversation was joined by JB Pritzker, Illinois’ Democratic Governor, who also chimed in on the faux magazine cover.
He stated: “As Governor of Illinois, my oath is to the Constitution of our state and our nation.
“We don’t have kings in America, and I won’t bend the knee to one.”
Not all reactions were critical; support for Trump’s statement was evident too. One supporter gleefully posted, “He looks good in a crown, definitely should get one.”
Another noted, “Looks like someone’s feeling royal today! The crown emoji is practically mandatory right now.”
A third enthusiastically affirmed, “I VOTED FOR THIS!”
Political Repercussions: Secretary Duffy’s Response
Meanwhile, Sean Duffy, the newly appointed US Transportation Secretary, informed New York Governor Kathy Hochul about rescinding the program’s approval, critiquing it as a ‘slap in the face’ to average Americans.
“Highway commuters headed to New York City have already funded these roads via gas and other taxes,” he stated.
“This toll initiative leaves drivers without a free road option and unjustly extracts more money from workers for a transit system rather than highways. It’s misguided and inequitable.”
On her part, Governor Hochul responded by pointing out that “we haven’t toiled under a monarch in over 250 years.”
“We sure as hell are not going to start now. If you know New Yorkers, you know we fight. We do not back down, not now, not ever,” she asserted.
The battle is on, as New York officials have pledged to push against the Trump administration’s decision to overthrow the proposed $9 toll.
According to BBC reports, the congestion fee would impact vehicles entering Manhattan between 60th Street to the Financial District’s southern tip from 5 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends.
Proponents argue that the congestion charge would enable quicker responses in emergencies and that toll revenues could revitalize the city’s subway network.
