NEW YORK CITY, New York: Governor Kathy Hochul met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to defend Manhattan's congestion toll program after federal officials ordered it to stop, according to her spokesperson.

The meeting lasted over an hour and covered topics such as immigration, infrastructure, energy, and economic development. Hochul also shared a booklet highlighting the early success of congestion pricing.

The Trump administration paused the program, which began on January 5. It charges most vehicles a $9 toll for entering Manhattan below Central Park, aiming to reduce traffic and fund public transit. Despite the halt, the toll remains active while a lawsuit filed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority challenges the federal order.

"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED." Trump said on his social networking site, adding, "LONG LIVE THE KING!" The White House later posted an image of Trump wearing a crown in front of the New York skyline.

Hochul immediately fired back. "New York hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years," she said at a news conference at Grand Central Terminal, one of the city's train hubs. "We sure as hell are not going to start now."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called the tolls unfair to working-class Americans and small businesses. The toll has faced opposition from suburban commuters but is supported by advocates who believe it helps reduce traffic and pollution.

Tensions between New York officials and the Trump administration continue over issues like immigration, corruption cases, and federal funding for migrant shelter costs. Both sides have filed several lawsuits over policies and financial disputes.

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