US President Donald Trump is facing widespread criticism after referring to himself as a “king” on social media following his administration’s decision to block New York City’s congestion pricing plan. 

On Wednesday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, announcing the termination of the federal agreement that supported Manhattan’s congestion pricing program. Shortly after, Trump took to Truth Social, declaring: 

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

The White House amplified Trump’s statement by sharing it on social media along with an edited image. The post featured a mock Time magazine cover depicting Trump wearing a golden crown, smiling against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, reports The Guardian. 

Governor Hochul swiftly responded, rejecting Trump’s characterisation. In a statement, she emphasised, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.” She added, “Public transit is the lifeblood of New York City and critical to our economic future – as a New Yorker, like President Trump, knows very well.” 

Addressing reporters later on Wednesday, Hochul reinforced her stance: “New York hasn’t laboured 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.” 

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New York City Council Member Justin Brannan also condemned Trump’s statement, referencing the Justice Department’s decision—under Trump-appointed officials—to drop a federal corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. 

“Doesn’t matter what you think of congestion pricing, federal government doesn’t get to make this decision. NY State passed a law, USDOT approved it. No matter what corrupt deal Donald Trump made with the Mayor, he isn’t king. Only fools concede to false power. It’s an illusion,” Brannan wrote. 

Democratic Representative Don Beyer of Virginia echoed the criticism, writing on X: “We don’t have kings in the USA.” 

David Hogg, vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, also weighed in, posting: “Republicans: Stop overreacting and calling Trump a king. Literally the White House Twitter account,” while resharing the image of Trump with the crown.