A recent internal memo from the U.S. Department of Justice has raised doubts about the Trump administration’s efforts to block New York City’s congestion pricing program. The memo, which was accidentally filed in court, revealed that federal attorneys view the case against the program as “very unlikely” to succeed and highlighted “considerable litigation risk.” The document also questioned the legal foundation for the Department of Transportation’s actions, leading to the removal of the Manhattan-based legal team from the case.
New York City’s congestion pricing initiative, which began in January 2025, charges drivers a toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The program aims to alleviate traffic congestion and fund public transit improvements. Despite attempts by the federal government to halt it, state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), have reiterated their support for the program, maintaining its legality and benefits.
The accidental release of the DOJ memo has weakened the federal government’s position in the ongoing legal and political battle over the congestion pricing plan.
