India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump is basking in the glory of his latest executive tantrum, this time declaring himself a “king” after his administration torpedoed New York City’s congestion pricing plan.

Following a February 19 directive from his transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, that revoked a federal agreement with New York over the proposed tolling program, Trump took to Truth Social:

“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”

It might have been ignored but the White House amplified the moment by posting a doctored image of Trump wearing a golden crown on a fake Time magazine cover, grinning as New York City’s skyline loomed behind him.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was not amused.

“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” Hochul shot back in a statement. She emphasized the importance of public transit to the city’s economy—something “a New Yorker, like President Trump, knows very well.” She also confirmed that the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has taken legal action in the Southern District of New York to challenge the decision.

Later, addressing reporters, Hochul doubled down:

“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not going to start now … In case you don’t know New Yorkers, we’re going to fight. We do not back down, not now, not ever.”

The backlash from American citizens was also swift with comments that expressed horror, mockery and even despair.